Magnetic tape cassette holding case

ABSTRACT

A magnetic tape cassette storage case ( 1 ) comprising a storage section ( 3 ) for storing a magnetic tape cassette ( 81 ), a lid section ( 5 ) for covering the storage section ( 3 ), and a connecting section ( 7 ) for connecting the storage section ( 3 ) and the lid section ( 5 ) so as to enable the open-and-closed motion; in which the storage section ( 3 ) and the lid section ( 5 ) comprise plate portion ( 11, 21 ) and sidewall portions ( 13, 23 ) provided along the outer peripheries of the flat portions ( 11, 21 ) respectively. A notch ( 26   b ) having at least the height of the sidewall portion ( 13 ) provided on the storage section ( 3 ) is formed on the inner side of the end of the sidewall portion ( 23 ) closer to the connecting section ( 7 ) of the lid section ( 5 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetic tape cassette storage casefor storing a magnetic tape cassette.

BACKGROUND ART

Various types of storage cases for magnetic cassette tapes (herein afterreferred to as storage case) are proposed according to the configurationof the magnetic cassette to be stored. Referring now to FIG. 46 and FIG.47, a storage case for digital video cassettes (hereinafter referred toas “DVCs”) and a magnetic tape cassette for the DVCs of the related artwill be described by way of example.

The storage case 1441 shown in FIG. 46 comprises a storage section 1443for storing the magnetic tape cassette 1481 shown in FIG. 47, a lidsection 1445, and a connecting section 1447. The storage section 1443comprises a first plate portion 1451, and a first sidewall portion 1453formed integrally along the outer periphery of the first plate portion1451, and a pair of reel locking ribs 1445 a, 1445 b formed on the firstplate portion 1451 at the positions somewhat closer to the rear sidethan to the front side. When the magnetic tape cassette 1481 shown inFIG. 47 is stored, it will be fitted within the first sidewall portion1453 in the state shown by a phantom line in FIG. 46 when it-is properlystored.

The lid section 1445 comprises a second plate portion 1461, and a secondsidewall portion 1463 formed integrally along three sides of the outerperiphery of the second plate portion 1461. The connecting section 1447comprises a third plate portion 1471 and thin portions 1473 a, 1473 bformed on both sides thereof. These thin portions 1473 a, 1473 b enablethe storage section 1443 and the lid section 1445 to close as a book.

Outside of the first sidewall portion 1453 that defines the storagesection 1443, there is provided an over hanging portion 1451 a that isformed by a part of the first plate portion 1451 in an overhangingmanner. Therefore, even when the storage section 1443 and the lidsection 1445 are closed and the second sidewall portion 1463 of the lidsection 1445 is fitted around the first sidewall portion 1453 of thestorage section 1443, the overhanging portion 1451 a prevents thestorage section 1443 from getting into the lid section 1445, and thusthe thickness of the case may be maintained as a whole.

There are formed a recess 1453 a, or a locked portion, on the outersurface of the fist sidewall portion 1453, and a projection 1463 a, or alocking portion, on the inner surface of the second sidewall portion1463 at the position corresponding to the recess portion 1453a when thestorage section 1443 and the lid section 1445 are closed. Therefore,when the storage section 1443 and the lid section 1445 are closed withrespect to each other, the projection 1463 a and the recess 1453 aengage so as to prevent an accidental opening of the storage section1443 and the lid section 1445.

Referring now to FIG. 47, the magnetic tape cassette 1481 will bedescribed. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette1481 when viewed from the bottom side, in which an upper cassette half1483 is situated below the lower cassette half 1485. There are formedcircular openings 1487 a, 1487 b at two locations on the lower cassettehalf 1485, and engaging portions 1489 a, 1489 b integrally formed withthe reel hubs (not shown) on which the magnetic tape is wound areexposed therefrom.

The engaging portions 1489 a, 1489 b have a function to unwinding andwinding the magnetic tape when it is mounted in the VTR, and a functionto engage the ribs 1455 a, 1455 b for engaging the reel and preventsrattling of the magnetic tape cassette 1481 when it is stored in thestorage case 1441.

On the front side of the magnetic tape cassette 1481, an outer lid 1491is provided for pivotal movement, and when it is mounted in the VTR orthe like, the magnetic tape is pulled out after the outer lid 1491 ispivoted as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 47. There is formed a recessedopening 1493 inside the outer lid 1491 at near the center in such amanner that the upper and lower cassette halves 1483, 1485 are notched,and there is provided a shoulder 1495 on one end of the opening 1493 onthe side of the lower cassette half 1485.

The magnetic tape cassette 1481 maybe stored in the storage case 1441 byfitting the magnetic tape cassette 1481 in the sidewall portion 1453 asshown by a phantom line in FIG. 46, and pushing and inserting the ribs1455 b, 1455 a for engaging the reels into circular engaging holes Bformed at the center of the engaging portion 1489 a, 1489 b, whereby thepositional restriction of the magnetic tape cassette 1481 is made andstored appropriately.

However, in the structure of the storage case 1441 described above, thefollowing problem was recognized when the magnetic tape cassette 1481 isstored. When the storage section 1443 and the lid section 1445 areclosed as described above, the second sidewall portion 1463 of the lidsection 1445 is fitted on the outside of the first sidewall portion 1453of the storage section 1443 under the normal situation. However, whenthe both side surface of the second sidewall portion 1463 of the lidsection 1445 are pressed, the second sidewall portion 1463 deflects bythe pressing force, and thus the sidewall portion 1453 of the storagesection 1443 and the sidewall portion 1463 of the lid section 1445 abutagainst each other when the storage section 1443 and the lid section1445 are closed, there by causing imperfect closing. Especially, inorder to improve sealing performance of the storage case 1441, theclearance between the first sidewall portion 1453 of the storage section1443 and the second sidewall portion 1463 of the lid section 1445 haveto be reduced as small as possible. However, when the clearance isreduced, a slight pressurizing movement causes abutment between thesidewall portions 1453 and 1463, thereby causing imperfect closing.

In addition, depending on the extent of the pressing force, there may bea case where the second sidewall portion 1463 of the lid section 1445comes inside the first sidewall portion 1453 of the storage section1443, which also causes imperfect closing. When it is stored in thebadly closed state for a long time, the storage case is subjected toplastic deformation, which is not preferable.

With such a circumstance in view, it is the first object of the presentinvention to provide a magnetic tape cassette storage case in whichimperfect closing can be prevented.

Various storage cases for magnetic tape cassettes are proposed dependingon the configuration of the magnetic tape cassette to be stored.Referring to FIG. 48 and FIG. 49, the storage case and the magnetic tapecassette of the related art will be described by way of example.

The storage case 1571 shown in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 is formed integrallyof synthetic resin. The storage case 1571 comprises a storage section1573 for storing a magnetic tape cassette T, a lid section 1575, and aconnecting section 1577 for connecting the storage section 1573 and thelid section 1575 so as to enable the opening-closing motion. The storagesection 1573 comprises a first plate portion 1581, and a first sidewallportion 1583 formed integrally along the outer periphery thereof, andthe lid section 1575 comprises a second plate portion 1585 and a secondsidewall portion 1587 formed integrally along the outer peripherythereof. When the magnetic tape cassette T is appropriately stored inthe storage case 1571, the magnetic tape cassette T is fitted in thefirst sidewall portion 1583 in the state shown by a phantom line in FIG.49.

On the outsides of the plate portions 1581, 1585, and of the connectingsection 1577, there is formed an information sheet holding portion 1601.The information sheet holding portion 1601 is used for storinginformation sheets 1603 such as a label or a memo on which data or thelike relating the magnetic tape cassette T is listed. The informationsheet holding portion 1601 is constructed in such a manner that recessedportions 1605 are formed in part on the respective outsides of the plateportions 1581, 1585 and of the connecting section 1577, and almost thewhole part of the recessed portions 1605 are covered by a transparentsheet 1607 of flexible synthetic resin.

The sheet 1607 is welded on the plate portions 1581, 1585 at both ends1607 a, 1607 b of the recessed portion 1605. Therefore, the informationsheet 1603 may be inserted from the opened end of the sheet 1607 andheld in the information sheet holding portion 1601, in other words,between the sheet 1607 and the outsides of the plate portions 1581,1585, and the connecting section 1577.

When the magnetic tape cassette T is stored in the storage case 1571,the information sheet 1603 with data such as the recorded contents orthe like is listed thereon is inserted into the information sheetholding portion 1601. In this case, when the information sheet 1603 issmall in size, it can be accommodated within the information sheetholding portion 1601. However, when there are many recorded contents tobe listed, the information sheet 1603 must be large in size as a matterof course, and thus it cannot be accommodated in the information sheetholding portion 1601 as shown in the figure.

The portion of the information sheet 1603 that cannot be accommodated isbent and deformed outward along the shoulder between the recessedportion 1605 and the plate portions 1581, 1585. The portion of theinformation sheet 1603 that cannot be accommodated may be damaged or getsoiled when the storage case 1571 is carried around. In addition, thesame problem may arise when the storage cased 1571 stacked in layers aretransported and when it is stored in the rack.

In contrast to it, when the information sheet 1603 is small, the problemof damage or dirt does not arise, but the information sheet 1603 may gethung up at the shoulder between the recessed portion 1605 and the plateportions 1581, 1585 when it is taken out from the information sheetholding portion 1601, and thus there is the problem in that it isdifficult to take the information sheet 1603.

In addition, since the transparent sheet 1607 covers almost the entiresurface of the recessed portion 1605, the information sheets 1603 whenthe number of the information sheets increases, it will further bedifficult to take the information sheet 1603 out. Therefore, the numberof the information sheets 1605 to be held must be reduced, and thus thenumber of the information sheets that can be held is small.

With such a circumstance in view, it is the second object of the presentinvention to provide a magnetic tape cassette storage case in which theinformation sheets relating to the magnetic tape cassette can be keptwithout giving damage or dirt, in which the information sheets caneasily be taken out, and in which many information sheets can be held.

Various types of storage cases for magnetic tape cassettes are proposedaccording to the configuration of the magnetic tape cassette to bestored. Referring now to FIG. 50 to FIG. 53, the storage case and themagnetic tape cassette for DVCs of the related art will be described byway of example.

The storage case 1850 shown in FIG. 50 comprises a storage section 1701for storing the magnetic tape cassette 1881 shown in FIG. 51, a lidsection 1702 for opening and closing with respect to the storage section1701 as a book, and a connecting section 1703 for connecting the storagesection 1701 and the lid section 1702. The storage section 1701comprises a first plate portion 1704, a first sidewall portion 1705formed integrally along the outer periphery of the first plate portion1704 in the shape of a frame, reel locking ribs 1706 a, 1706 b formed onthe first plate portion 1704 at the positions somewhat closer to therear side than to the front side, and an opening locking rib 1707 formedon the first plate portion 1704 at the position somewhat closer to thefront side in a V-shape in plan view.

The magnetic tape cassette 1881 shown in FIG. 51 is stored in thestorage section 1701. When it is properly stored, it is loosely fittedin the first sidewall portion 1705 as shown in a phantom line in FIG.50.

The lid section 1702 comprises a second plate portion 1708, and a secondsidewall portion 1709 formed integrally along three sides of the outerperiphery of the second plate portion 1708. The connecting section 1703comprises the third plate portion 1810. The third plate portion 1810comprises thin portions 1810 a, 1810 b on both sides thereof. These thinportions 1810 a, 1810 b the storage section 1701 and the lid section1702 to open and close as a book. When the storage case 1850 is closed,the first sidewall portion 1705 and the second sidewall portion 1709 arefitted in parallel with each other in such a manner that the secondsidewall portion 1709 is fitted around the outside of the first sidewallportion 1705.

Outside of the first sidewall portion 1705 that defines the storagesection 1701, there is provided a first overhanging portion 1704 a thatis formed by a part of the first plate portion 1704 in an overhangingmanner. Therefore, even when the storage section 1701 and the lidsection 1702 are closed, and the second sidewall portion 1709 of the lidsection 1702 is fitted around the first sidewall portion 1705 of thestorage section 1701, the first overhanging portion 1704 a prevents thestorage section 1701 from getting into the lid section 1702, and thusthe thickness of the storage case may be maintained as a whole.

There are formed locking recesses 1705 a in a trough shape on the outerwall surface on both sides of the first sidewall portion 1705 and alocking recess 1705 b in a trough shape almost at the center of theouter wall surface on the rear side, and locking projections 1709 a atthe positions on the inner wall surface of the second sidewall portion1709 corresponding to the locking recesses 1705 a and a lockingprojection 1709 b at the position corresponding to the locking recess1705 b.

Therefore, when the storage section 1701 and the lid section 1702 areclosed, the locking projection 1709 a engages the locking recess 1705 a,and the locking projection 1709 b engages the locking recess 1705 b soas to prevent an accidental opening of the storage section 1701 and thelid section 1702.

The first sidewall portion 1705 is formed with engaging recesses 1811 a,1811 b on the first sidewall portion 1705, and the second sidewallportion 1709 is formed with engaging recesses 1811 a, 1811 b and thesame number of positioning ribs 1862 a, 1862 b on the inner wall surfacethereof. When the storage case 1850 is closed, the engaging recesses1811 a, 1811 b engage the positioning ribs 1862 a, 1862 b respectively.This engagement prevents the first sidewall portion 1705 and the secondsidewall portion 1709 from moving in parallel with each other.

When the storage case 1850 is closed, the positioning ribs 1862 a, 1862b are inserted into the engaging recesses 1811 a, 1811 b respectivelyfor positioning of the members. Therefore, engagement between thelocking projections 1709 a, 1709 b and the locking recesses 1705 a, 1705b is ensured, and thus the lid section 1702 can be positioned at theappropriate position.

A plurality of cassette holding members 1813 are formed on the side ofthe storage section between the inner surface of the first plate portion1704 and the inner wall surface of the first sidewall section 1705. Inthe same manner, a plurality of cassette holding members 1814 are formedon the side of the lid section between the inner surface of the secondplate portion 1708 and the inner wall surface of the second sidewallportion 1709. When the magnetic tape cassette 1881 is stored in thestorage case 1850 by these cassette storage holding members 1813, 1814,and the storage case 1850 is closed, the magnetic tape cassette 1881will never come into direct contact with the first plate portion 1704and the second plate portion 1708, and the first sidewall portion 1705and the second sidewall portion 1709 under normal conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 51, the magnetic tape cassette 1881 will bedescribed. FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette1881 viewed from the bottom side, and thus the upper cassette half 1883is shown below the lower cassette half 1885.

There are formed circular openings 1887 a, 1887 b at two locations onthe lower cassette half 1885, and engaging portions 1889 a, 1889 bintegrally formed with the reel hubs (not shown) on which the magnetictape is wound are exposed therefrom. The engaging portions 1889 a, 1889b have a function to unwinding and winding the magnetic tape when it ismounted in the video tape recorder (VTR).

On the front side of the magnetic tape cassette 1881, an outer lid 1891is provided for pivotal movement, and when it is mounted in the VTR orthe like, the magnetic tape is pulled out after the outer lid 1891 ispivoted as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 51. There is formed a recessedfront opening 1893 inside the outer lid 1891 at near the center in sucha manner that the upper and lower cassette halves 1883, 1885 arenotched, and there is provided a shoulder 1895 on one end of the frontopening 1893. Both of them perform specific functions when the magnetictape cassette 1881 is mounted in the VTR.

In order to mount the magnetic tape set 1881 in the storage case 1850,the magnetic tape cassette 1881 is inserted in the first sidewallportion 1705 with the front opening 1893 faced downward, which is theposition turned upside down from the position shown in FIG. 51, and withthe front opening 1893 faced toward the opening locking rib 1707.Consequently, the magnetic tape cassette 1881 is stored in the storagesection 1701 as shown by a phantom line in FIG. 50. Then, by overlayingthe lid section 1702 on the storage section 1701 by the use of theconnecting section 1703 as to close a book, the locking projections 1709a, 1709 b engage the locking recesses 1705 a, 1705 b to close thestorage section 1701 and the lid section 1702, and thus the magnetictape cassette 1881 is protected and prevented dust from enteringtherein.

The construction of the storage case 1850 and the magnetic tape cassette1881 and the closing action thereof has been described so far. On theother hand, when the magnetic tape cassette 1881 is used, it isnecessary to take the magnetic cassette 1881 from the storage case 1850by releasing engagement between the locking projections 1709 a, 1709 band the locking recesses 1705 a, 1705 b. In order to take out themagnetic cassette, the storage section 1701 and the lid section 1702 arepulled in the opposite directions with fingers placed on one end of thestorage case 1850 as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 52 and FIG. 53.However, the storage case 1850 of the related art has a followingproblem.

In a state where the storage section 1701 and the lid section 1702 areclosed, as shown in FIG. 52, a first overhanging portion 1704 a projectsfrom the end of the storage section 1701, and a second overhangingportion 1708 a projects from the end of the lid section 1702. The personwho tries to open the storage case 1850, or the user, places his/herthumbs in about the center of the storage case 1850, or in the vicinityof the position where the locking projection 1709 b and the lockingrecess 1705 b are engaged, and pulls them in the opposite directionswith his/her thumbs hooked on the first and second overhanging portions1704 a, 1708 a as shown in FIG. 52 and FIG. 53 by phantom lines.

When such a pulling operation is performed, the locking projection 1709b gets out of the locking recess 1705 b, and at almost the same timewith it, the locking projection 1709 a gets out of the locking recess1705 a and the storage case 1850 is opened. However, a force is requiredto release engagement between the locking projection 1709 b and thelocking recess 1705 b, and when a force is exerted by thumbs, a part ofthe second sidewall portion 1709 are pressed in the direction shown byan arrow a in FIG. 52. As a consequent, there is a problem in that thelocking projection 1709 b is pressed toward the locking recess 1705 band thus the storage case 1850 resists being opened on the contrary.

In order to solve this problem, a measure to eliminate the lockingprojection 1709 b and the locking recess 1705 b is conceivable. However,in such a constriction, engagement between the storage section 1701 andthe lid section 1702 becomes loose, which may result in another problemssuch as accidental opening of, and increase in possibility of enteringof dust or the like into, the storage case 1850. Since dust attached onthe magnetic tape may cause a drop out of signals during recording andplaying, it is necessary to lock the storage section 1701 and the lidsection 1702 tightly.

With such a problem in view, the third object of the present inventionis to provide a magnetic tape cassette storage case which is superior inhermeticity between the storage section and the lid section, and whichis easy to open and close.

Various types of storage cases for magnetic tape cassettes are proposeddepending on the configuration of the magnetic tape cassette to bestored. Referring now to FIG. 54 to FIG. 57, a storage case and amagnetic tape cassette for DVCs of the related art will be described byway of example.

The storage case 2150 shown in FIG. 54 comprises a storage section 1901for storing the magnetic tape cassette 2081 shown in FIG. 55, a lidsection 1902 for covering the storage section 1901, and a connectingsection 1903 for connecting the storage section 1901 and the lid section1902. The storage section 1901 comprises a first plate portion 1904, afirst sidewall portion 1905 formed integrally along the outer peripheryof the first plate portion 1904, reel engagng ribs 1906 a, 1906 b formedon the first plate portion 1904 at the positions somewhat closer to therear side than to the front side, and a rib 1907 formed on the firstplate 1904 at the position somewhat closer to the front side in aV-shape in cross section. When the magnetic tape cassette 2081 shown inFIG. 55 is properly stored, it is loosely fitted in the first sidewallportion 1905 as shown by a phantom line in FIG. 54.

The lid section 1902 comprises a second plate portion 1908 and a secondsidewall portion 1909 formed integrally along three sides of the outerperiphery of the second plate portion 1908. The connecting section 1903comprises thin portions 2010 a, 2010 b formed on both sides of the thirdplate portion 2010, which enables the storage section 1901 and the lidsection 1902 to close as a book. When the storage case 2150 is closed,the second sidewall portion 1905 and the second sidewall portion 1909are fitted in parallel with each other.

Outside of the first sidewall portion 1905 that defines the storagesection 1901, there is provided an overhanging portion 1904 a that isformed by a part of the first plate portion 1904 in an overhangingmanner. Therefore, even when the storage section 1901 and the lidsection 1902 are closed, and the second sidewall portion 1909 of the lidsection 1902 is fitted around the first sidewall portion 1905 of thestorage section 1901, the overhanging portion 1904 a prevents thestorage section 1901 from getting into the lid section 1902, and thusthe thickness of the storage case may be maintained as a whole. Theouter surface of the first sidewall portion 1905 is formed with arecessed locking portion 1905 a and the inner side surface of the secondsidewall portion 1909 is formed with a locking projection 1909 a at theposition corresponding to the locking portion 1905 a when the storagesection 1901 and the lid section 1902 are closed. Therefore, when thestorage section 1901 and the lid section 1902 are closed, the lockingprojection 1909 a engages the locking portion 1905 a to prevent anaccidental opening of the storage section 1901 and the lid section 1902.

The first sidewall portion 1905 is formed with engaging recesse 2011 a,2011 b, and the inner surface of the second sidewall portion 1909 isprovided with the same number of positioning ribs 2062 a, 2062 b as theengaging recesses. When the case is closed, the engaging recess 2011 aengages with the positioning rib 2062 a. In the same manner, theengaging recess 2011 b engages with the positioning rib 2062 b. Suchengagement prevents the first sidewall portion 1905 and the secondsidewall portion 1909 from moving in parallel with each other. When thecase is closed, the positioning ribs 2062 a, 2062 b are inserted intothe engaging recesses 2011 a, 2011 b for positioning between members.Therefore, engagement between the locking projections 1909 a, 1909 b andthe locking portions 1905 a, 1905 b is ensured, and thus the lid section1902 can be positioned at the appropriate position.

A plurality of cassette holding members 2013 are formed on the side ofthe storage section between the inner surface of the first plate portion1904 and the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 1905. In thesame manner, a plurality of cassette holding member 2014 are formed onthe side of the lid section between the inner surface of the secondplate portion 1908 and the inner surface of the second sidewall portion1909. When the magnetic tape cassette is stored in the storage case 2050by these cassette holding members 2013 and 2014, and the storage case2050 is closed, the magnetic tape cassette will never come into directcontact with the first plate portion 1904 and the second plate portion1908, and the first sidewall portion 1905 and the second sidewallportion 1909 under normal conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 55, the magnetic tape cassette 2081 is described.FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette 2081 viewedfrom the bottom side, and thus the upper cassette half 2083 is shownbelow the lower cassette half 2085. There are formed circular openings2087 a, 2087 b at two locations on the lower cassette half 2085, andengaging portions 2089 a, 2089 b integrally formed with the reel hubs(not shown) on which the magnetic tape is wound are exposed therefrom.The engaging portions 2089 a, 2089 b have a function to unwinding andwinding the magnetic tape when it is mounted in the video tape recorder(VTR).

On the front side of the magnetic tape cassette 2081, an outer lid 2091is provided for pivotal movement, and when it is mounted in the VTR orthe like, the magnetic tape is pulled out after the outer lid 2091 ispivoted as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 55. There is formed a recessedfront opening 2093 inside the outer lid 2091 at near the center in sucha manner that the upper and lower cassette halves 2083, 2085 arenotched, and there is provided a shoulder 2095 on one end of the frontopening 2093.

In order to mount the magnetic tape cassette 2081 in the storage case2150, the magnetic tape cassette 2081 is inserted in the first sidewallportion 1905 with the front opening 2093 faced downward, which is theposition turned upside down from the position shown in FIG. 55, and withthe front opening 2093 faced toward the rib 1907.

In such a storage case described above, when a instantaneous orcontinuous pressing force acts upon the second plate portion 1908 of thelid section 1902 in the vertical direction in the state that the storagecase is closed, the following phenomenon is observed.

In a first place, a resilient deformation occurs on the second plateportion 1908. The resilient deformation is, for example, a deformationshown by dashed lines in FIG. 56. As is apparent from FIG. 56, suchdeformation hinders parallel fitting between the second sidewall portion1909 on the lid section 1902 and the first sidewall section 1905 on thestorage section 1901, thereby hindering engagement between thepositioning ribs 2062 a, 2062 b and the engaging recesses 2011 a, 2011 brespectively. In other words, as a result of the resilient deformation,as shown in FIG. 57, the second sidewall portion 1909 and thepositioning ribs 2062 a, 2062 b are shifted outwardly with respect tothe storage case 2150 (in the direction shown by the arrow Dr in FIG.57) and deformed, so that imperfect engagement between the positioningribs 2062 a, 2062 b and the engaging recesses 2011 a, 2011 b occurs. Inaddition, as a result of the pressing force and the imperfect engagementdescribed above, a phenomenon that the lid section 1902 abnormally getsinto the storage section 1901 occurs. The resilient deformation isobvious in the direction longitudinally of the storage case. When it isfurther pressed, deformation along the shorter dimension as well,thereby the entire storage case 2150 suffers from deformation.

In addition, when the deformed state of the storage case 2150 continuesfor along time, each member is plastically deformed, and thusrestoration to the normal state may become impossible. In other words,the entire storage case 2150 may be deformed permanently, and thus itmay cause troubles in hermeticity, engaging performance, cassettestoring capability of the storage case 2150 that used to besatisfactory.

With such a circumstance in view, it is the fourth object of the presentinvention to provide a storage case in which a shift or deformation ofthe sidewall portion resulting from resilient deformation of the membersmay be prevented.

Various types of storage cases for magnetic tape cassettes are proposeddepending on the configuration of the magnetic tape cassette to bestored. Referring now to FIG. 58 and FIG. 59, the storage case and theDVC used in the broadcasting station of the related art will bedescribed by way of example.

The storage case 2350 shown in FIG. 58 comprises a storage section 2201for storing the magnetic tape cassette 2381 shown in FIG. 59, the lidsection 2202 for covering the storage section 2201, and a connectingsection 2203 for connecting the storage section 2201 and the lid section2202 for pivotal movement. The storage section 2201 comprises a firstplate portion 2204, a first sidewall portion 2205 formed integrallyalong the outer periphery of the first plate portion 2204, reel lockingribs 2206 a, 2206 b formed on the first plate portion 2204 at thepositions somewhat closer to the rear side than to the front side, and aopening locking rib 2207 formed on the first plate 2204 at the positiona bit close to the front side in a V-shape in cross section. When themagnetic tape cassette 2381 shown in FIG. 59 is properly stored, it isfitted in the first sidewall portion 2205 as shown by a phantom lien inFIG. 58.

The lid section 2202 comprises a second plate portion 2208 and a secondsidewall portion 2209 formed integrally along three sides of the outerperiphery of the second plate portion 2208. The connecting section 2203comprises thin portions 2310 a, 2310 b formed on both sides of the thirdplate portion 2010, which enables the storage section 2201 and the lidsection 2202 to close as a book. When the storage case 2350 is closed,the first sidewall portion 2205 and the second sidewall portion 2209 arefitted in parallel with each other.

Outside of the first sidewall portion 2205 that defines the storagesection 2201, there is provided an overhanging portion 2204 a that isformed by a part of the first plate portion 2204 in an overhangingmanner. Therefore, even when the storage section 2201 and the lidsection 2202 are closed, and the second sidewall portion 2209 of the lidsection 2202 is fitted around the first sidewall portion 2205 of thestorage section 2201, the overhanging portion 2204 a prevents thestorage section 2201 from getting into the lid section 2202, and thusthe thickness of the storage case may be maintained as a whole.

The outer surface of the first sidewall portion 2205 is formed with arecessed locking portion 2205 a and the inner side surface of the secondsidewall portion 2209 is formed with a locking projection 2209 a at theposition corresponding to the locking portion 2205 a when the storagesection 2201 and the lid section 2202 are closed. Therefore, when thestorage section 2201 and the lid section 2202 are closed, the lockingprojection 2209 a engages the locking portion 2205 a to prevent anaccidental opening of the storage section 2201 and the lid section 2202.

The first sidewall portion 2205 is formed with an engaging recess 2311a, 2311 b, and the inner surface of the second sidewall portion 2209 isprovided with the same number of positioning ribs 2362 a, 2362 b as theengaging recesses. When the storage case is closed, the engagingrecesses 2311 a, 2311 b engage with the positioning ribs 2362 a, 2362 b.Such engagement prevents the first sidewall portion 2205 and the secondsidewall portion 2209 from moving in parallel with each other. When thestorage case is closed, the positioning ribs 2362 a, 2362 b are insertedinto the engaging recesses 2311 a, 2311 b for positioning betweenmembers. Therefore, engagement between the locking projections 2209 a,2209 b and the locking portions 2205 a, 2205 b is ensured, and thus thelid section 2202 can be positioned at the appropriate position.

A plurality of cassette holding members 2313 are formed on the side ofthe storage section between the inner surface of the first plate portion2204 and the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 2205. In thesame manner, a plurality of cassette holding member 2314 are formed onthe side of the lid section between the inner surface of the secondplate portion 2208 and the inner surface of the second sidewall portion2209.

Referring now to FIG. 59, the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is described.FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette 2381 viewedfrom the bottom side, and thus the upper cassette half 2383 is shownbelow the lower cassette half 2385. There are formed circular openings2387 a, 2387 b at two locations on the lower cassette half 2385, andreference rings 2389 a, 2389 b that is a dimension standard formed onthe lower reel of the tape reels with the magnetic tape wound thereon.

On the front side of the magnetic tape cassette 2381, an outer lid 2391,an top lid 2397, and an inner lid (not shown) are provided for pivotalmovement, and when it is mounted in the VTR or the like, the magnetictape is pulled out after the outer lid 2391 is pivoted as shown by thearrow A in FIG. 59. There is formed a recessed front opening 2393 insidethe outer lid 2391 at near the center in such a manner that the upperand lower cassette halves 2383, 2385 are notched, and there is provideda shoulder 2395, which is a recessed portion having generally the shapeof a section at one end of the front opening 2393. The shoulder 2395 isformed at the rear of the cassette with respect to the top lid 2397.

In order to mount the magnetic tape cassette 2381 in the storage case2350, the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is fitted within the sidewallportion 2205 as shown in FIG. 58 by a phantom line in such a manner thatthe front opening 93 is faced toward the opening locking rib 2207, andthe reel locking ribs 2206 a, 2206 b are pushed to be inserted withinthe circular engaging holes B formed at the centers of the hubs of thetape reels, whereby the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is stored in thestorage case 2350.

However, in the structure of the storage case 2350 described above, thefollowing problem was recognized when the magnetic tape cassette 2381 isstored. As shown in FIG. 60, in the case where the magnetic tapecassette 2381 is inserted upside down, the top lid 2397 may becompressed by the opening locking portion 2207 a of the opening lockingrib 2207. When the top lid 2397 is compressed, the top lid 2397, andthus the outer lid 2391 and the inner lid (not shown) connected to thetop lid may be deformed. When it is compressed with a force, these lidsmay be damaged. Since these lid serves to cover the magnetic tape forprotection, deformation of these lids may give damage to the magnetictape.

As shown in FIG. 61, even in a state in which the magnetic tape cassette2381 is properly inserted, the tape reel 2410 may be displaced in caseof drop in such a state. Then, the reel locking ribs 2206 a, 2206 b comeinto collision with the engaging hole B formed on the hub 2415 of thetape reel 2410, and thus the reel locking ribs 2206 a, 2206 b aresubjected to an excessive load. When such an excessive load is appliedrepeatedly, there may be a case where the reel locking rib may bebroken.

With such a circumstance in view, the fifth object of the presentinvention is to provide a storage case in which deformation that may beoccurred when it is subjected to an impact in case of a drop can beprevented as well as deformation of the lid can be prevented even whenthe magnetic tape cassette is inserted in a wrong way.

Recent years, a compact digital video camera of good portability cameinto wide use as a TV camera exclusively used for recording coverage.This type of camera is compact in size, but high-quality pictures can beobtained by processing digital signal. Therefore, it is widely used asequipment for business use among cameramen for broadcasting station orspecialists for recording coverage.

The DVC to be used in the portable digital video camera come in threesizes being different in recording time period, and sold in thededicated cassette storage case.

The magnetic tape cassette such as the DVC or the like described aboveare in many cases used for recording covered scenes, or brought to thebroadcasting station as a material for editing/rerecording, and thuscontains important pictures or scenes recorded therein. Therefore, it ispreferable to store the recorded contents or the details to be consultedat the worksite together with the magnetic tape cassette. By organizingin this way, information on the recorded contents of the magnetic tapecassette or other related information, for example, on the site or thelike can be checked out easily with the recorded contents later at themeeting.

Generally, this type of information in association with the recordedcontents are shown by adhering a label on the magnetic tape cassette andthe storage case, or by inserting a sheet of paper or information sheetssuch as a leaflet on which the recorded contents are listed in a spacein the storage case. However, since the thickness of the space in thestorage case is only as small as the thickness of the magnetic tapecassette, the amount of information sheets that can be stored with themagnetic tape cassette is small.

Accordingly, in Japanese Patent Application No. 230835/1998, theapplicant of the present invention proposes a magnetic tape cassettestorage case in which a storage section for storing the magnetic tapecassette, a lid section having a peripheral wall surrounding the storagesection, and a connecting section for connecting the storage section andthe lid section so as to be able to close and open are integrally formedof synthetic resin, and holding ribs are formed on the inner surface ofthe peripheral wall of the lid section on both sides for holding themagnetic tape cassette between itself and the bottom wall of the storagesection by coming into contact with the peripheral edge on the surfaceof the magnetic tape cassette when the magnetic tape cassette is stored,and a sheet-holding rib is formed on at least one of holding ribs forholding one end of the information sheet between itself and the topplate, or the second plate portion of the lid section.

According to this magnetic tape cassette storage case, the informationsheet can be stored in the storage case without jumping out, droppingoff, or overhanging by clamping the end of the information sheet betweenthe sheet-holding rib and the top plate when the information sheet isstored.

When such a magnetic tape cassette storage case is formed by injectionmolding, the holding rib with an undercut portion is molded by a slidecore or a rocking core.

However, the direction of cutting or rocking of the core is thedirection toward the center of the metal mold (inward of the metalmold), the core have to enter into the metal mold significantly towardthe center thereof. In addition, when the overhanging amount of theundercut portion of the holding rib in association with thesheet-holding rib is significant, the line formed at the junctionbetween the core and the metal mold extends to the center of the topplate of the lid of the magnetic tape cassette storage case. Therefore,for the storage case for transparent magnetic tape cassette, theappearance and the interior visibility may be spoiled.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to solve the problemdescribed above, and thus it is the sixth object to provide a lessexpensive metal mold for magnetic tape cassette storage cases and amagnetic tape cassette storage case with preferable appearance andinterior visibility.

There are various types of magnetic tape cassettes, and the one used inthe digital video camera described above is called DVC.

A magnetic tape cassette storage case used in the related art (storagecase for DVCs) is shown in FIG. 62 by way of example. The storage case2580 comprises a storage section 2581 for storing the magnetic tapecassette M, and a lid section 2591 connected to the storage section 2581via a connecting section including the plate portion 2590 and the thinportion 2589. The storage section 2581 comprises a bottom plate 2582, ora first plate portion, having a plurality of mounting projections 2587,2588 on the inner surface (upper surface in the figure) according to therecessed shape of the magnetic tape cassette M, and sidewalls 2583, 2583and an end wall 2584, or a first sidewall portion, standing along theperiphery of the bottom plate 2582 for fitting the magnetic tapecassette A. The upper end and the outer surface of the sidewall 2583 areformed with a positioning notch 2585 and a locking recess 2586respectively for engaging the lid section 2591.

The lid section 2591 comprises a top plate 2592, or a second plateportion, and sidewalls 2593, 2593, and an end wall 2594, or the secondsidewall portion, standing on the inner surface, or the surface opposingto the storage section 2581 of the top plate 2592 for fitting around thesidewall 2583 and the end wall 2584 of the storage section 2581. Theinner surface of the sidewall 2593 is formed with a positioning rib 2595and a locking claw 2596 for engaging the positioning notch 2585 and thelocking recess 2586 of the storage section 2581 respectively. The innersurface of the sidewall 2593 is formed with a supporting rib 2597 havinga bevel 2597 a. The supporting rib 2597 supports the magnetic tapecassette M by the bevel 2597 a when the magnetic tape cassette M isstored in the storage section 2581 and the lid section 2591 is closed.

The positioning rib 2595 and the supporting rib 2597 are in contact withthe top plate 2592 at one end, and extend along the sidewall 2693. Incontrast to it, the locking claw 2596 is provided near the distal end ofthe sidewall 2593 and is not in contact with the top plate 2592.

The storage case 2580 is molded by injection molding or the like. Themetal mold comprises a main body of the metal mold, or the movable diefor molding the inner side of the storage case 2580, and a fixed die formolding outside of the storage case 2580. The metal mold comprises acavity for undercut portion on its side surface for molding a undercutportion such as a locking claw 2596 or the like, an ejector pin thatinclines while ejecting the molded article out from the movable die byits tip surface (hereinafter referred to as “inclining pin”), and aslide core. While the inclining pin is inclining, the undercut portionis ejected from the cavity on the side surface of the inclining pin.

In the magnetic tape cassette storage case 2580 or the magnetic tapecassette storage case similar to the case 2580 of which the heights ofthe sidewall 2593 and the end wall 2594 of the lid section 2591 are inexcess of a prescribed value, mold breathing tends to be worsened. Thistendency is obvious especially for the storage case for the magnetictape cassettes of which the heights of the sidewall 249 and the end wall2594 of the lid section 2591 are not less than 6 mm, though it dependson the width of the gas bent or the position where the gas bent isdisposed. Even when the heights of the sidewall 93 and the end wall 94are less than 6 mm, imperfect mold breathing occurred.

When mold breathing is insufficient, bubbles are trapped in the sidewall2593 of the storage case, which spoils the appearance of the transparentmagnetic tape cassette storage case formed especially of polypropyleneor the like.

With such a problem in view, it is the seventh object of the presentinvention to provide a metal mold for the storage cases for magnetictape cassettes with good breathing, and a magnetic tape cassette storagecase of good appearance that can be molded by the metal mold describedabove.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The first object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section; and

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section and the lid section each including a plate portionand a sidewall portion provided along the outer periphery of the plateportion;

the sidewall portion of the lid section being fitted along the outsideof the sidewall portion of the storage section so that an lockingportion formed inside of the sidewall portion of the lid section engagesan locked portion formed on the outside of the sidewall portion of thestorage section when the storage section and the lid section are closed;

characterized in that a notch having at least the same height as thesidewall portion of the storage section is formed on the inner side ofthe sidewall portion of the lid section at the end near the connectingsection.

In the storage case of the structure described above, even when thesidewall portion of the lid section is subjected to a pressurizing forceand thus deflected, the notch formed on the inner end of the sidewallportion of the lid section at the end near the connecting section abutsagainst the sidewall portion of the storage section to allow thesidewall portion of the lid section to be fitted on the outside of thesidewall portion of the storage section when the storage section and thelid section are closed.

Therefore, the notch can prevent imperfect closing of the storage case.

Here, the notch is preferably a bevel of a flat surface.

The second object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette; a lid sectionfor covering the storage section; and a connecting section forconnecting the storage section and the lid section so as to enable theopening-closing motion formed integrally of synthetic resin;characterized in that a rib is provided along the periphery of theoutside surface of at least one of the storage section and the lidsection; in that the outside surface surrounded by the rib is formedinto a flat portion; and in that an information sheet holding portion isprovided by welding opposite sides of a transparent sheet on the outsidesurface so as to cover a part of the flat portion.

The storage case is provided with a rib along the periphery of theoutside surface of at least one of the storage section for storing themagnetic tape cassette and the lid section, and the portion surroundedby the rib is formed into a flat portion and a part of the flat portionis covered by the transparent sheet to form a information sheet holdingportion.

Therefore, the information sheet on which the recorded contents or thelike relating to the magnetic tape cassette may be held between the flatportion and the transparent sheet, in other words, in the informationsheet holding portion. In addition, since the information sheet heldtherein runs along the flat portion, deformation can be prevented, andthe number of the information sheets to be held can be increasedaccording to the height of the rib.

In the present invention, covering apart of the flat portion by thetransparent sheet means that a part that is not covered by thetransparent sheet exists to the extent that the information sheet is nothindered from being taken out.

The rib to be provided along the periphery of the plate portion may notbe provided all around the periphery as far as it can prevent the sheetfrom coming into contact with the surface on which the storage case isplaced when it is placed thereon. The rib may be provided respectivelyalong the three sides of the plate portion, or along the two oppositesides of the plate portion all the way or in part.

The third object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassettes storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section including a first plate portion, a first sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion, alocking recess provided on the outer wall surface of the first sidewallportion, and a first overhanging portion overhanging outwardly from thefirst sidewall portion;

the lid section including a second plate portion, a second sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the second plate portion,a locking projection provided on the inner wall surface of the secondsidewall portion, and a second overhanging portion overhanging outwardlyfrom the second sidewall portion; and

the second sidewall portion being fitted along the outside of the firstsidewall portion so that the locking recess and the locking projectionare engaged when the lid section is covered on the storage section;

characterized in that a part of the second sidewall portion, and atleast the portion on which the locking projection is provided is formedto be flush with the first overhanging portion and the secondoverhanging portion.

According to the magnetic tape cassette storage case of the structuredescribed above, when the storage case is closed by covering the lidsection on the storage section, the locking projection on the secondsidewall portion provided along the outer periphery of the second plateportion engages the locking recess on the first sidewall portionprovided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion.

Though the end portions of the first and second plate portion project asa first and second overhanging portion on the closed surface, theportion of the second sidewall portion on which the locking projectionis provided is formed as a thick portion, and thus the portion where thelocking projection and the locking recess engage is flush with the firstand second overhanging portion.

Therefore, since the fingers are not placed on the thick portion to openthe storage case and the thick portion resists deformation of the secondwall portion, the storage case can easily be opened.

It is also possible to provide a locking projection at the end of thesecond sidewall portion where the thick portion is provided, and toprovide a locking recess at the end of the first plate portion at thelocation corresponding to the locking projection when the lid section iscovered on the storage section.

In this arrangement, the portion where the locking projection isprovided is formed into a thick portion, and the locking projectionprovided on the second sidewall portion engages at an end of the firstplate portion, in other words the locking recess provided on theoverhanging portion. Therefore, when the storage case is opend,engagement between the locking projection and the locking recessprevents deflected deformation of the second sidewall portion, and thusthe multiplier effect with the thick portion enables easier opening ofthe storage case.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a plurality of lockingprojection in the vicinity of the end portion of the second wallportion, or of the portion where the thick portion is provided, and toprovide a locking recess at one end of the first plate portion at thelocation corresponding to the plurality of locking projection when thestorage section is covered by the lid section.

In this arrangement, the portion where the locking projection isprovided is formed into a thick portion and a plurality of lockingprojection provided on the second sidewall portion engage one end of thefirst plate portion, in other word, a plurality of locking recessesprovided on the overhanging portion. Therefore, even when a force isapplied to the second sidewall portion by the fingers to open thestorage case, engagement between a plurality of locking projection andthe locking recess prevents deflected deformation of the second sidewallportion, and thus the multiplier effect with the thick portion enableseasier opening of the storage case.

The third object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section including a first plate portion, a first sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion, alocking recess provided on the outer wall surface of the first sidewallportion, and a first overhanging portion overhanging outwardly from thefirst sidewall portion;

the lid section including a second plate portion, a second sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the second plate portion,a locking projection provided on the inner wall surface of the secondsidewall portion, and a second overhanging portion overhanging outwardlyfrom the second sidewall portion; and

the second sidewall portion being fitted along the outside of the firstsidewall portion so that the locking recess and the locking projectionare engaged when the lid section is covered on the storage section;

characterized in that a part of the first overhanging portion and thesecond overhanging portion and at least the portion on which the lockingrecess and the locking projection are provided is formed to be flushwith the sidewall portion.

According to the magnetic tape cassette storage case in the arrangementdescribed above, when the storage case is close by covering the lidsection on the storage section, the locking projection of the secondsidewall portion provided along the outer periphery of the second plateportion engages the locking recess of the first sidewall portionprovided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion.

Though the end portions of the first and second plate portions projectfrom the closed surface as a first and second overhanging portions, theportion on which the locking recess on the first sidewall portion andthe locking projection of the second sidewall portion are notched.Therefore, the first and second overhanging portions are eliminated atthe portion where the locking projection and the locking recess areengaged, and thus they are flush with each other.

Therefore, since the fingers are not placed on the notched portion toopen the storage case, the storage case can easily be opened.

The third object of the present invention is achieved by providing astorage case for magnetic tape cassettes comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section including a first plate portion, a first sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion, alocking projection provided on the outer periphery of the first plateportion and projecting inwardly, and a first overhanging portionoverhung outwardly from the first sidewall portion;

the lid section including a second plate portion, a second sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the second plate portion,a locking recess provided on the outer wall surface of the secondsidewall portion, and a second overhanging portion projecting from thesecond sidewall portion toward the outer periphery;

characterized in that the second sidewall portion is fitted around theoutside of the first sidewall portion and the locking projection and thelocking recess engages when the lid section is covered on the storagesection.

According to the magnetic tape cassette storage case of the structuredescribed above, when the storage case is closed by covering the lidsection on the storage section, the locking recess provided on the outerwall surface of the second sidewall portion engages the lockingprojection provided on the outer periphery of the first plate portionand projecting inwardly.

Therefore, when the second sidewall portion is pressurized to open thestorage case, the locking projection and the locking recess do notengage, and thus the storage case can easily be opened.

The fourth object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section including a first plate portion and a first sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion;

the lid section including a second plate portion and a second sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the second plate portion;

the second sidewall portion being provided with at least one positioningrib on the inner surface thereof; and

the second sidewall portion being provided with an engaging recess forengaging with the positioning rib when the lid section is covered on thestorage section;

characterized in that the positioning rib includes a fitting portionformed inwardly with respect to the lid section and being longer thanthe longitudinal length of the positioning rib, so that the fittingportion abuts against the first sidewall portion when the lid section iscovered on the storage section.

According to this arrangement of the present invention, even when aforce is applied to the second plate portion and causes a resilientdeformation when the case is in the closed state, since the positioningrib, and thus the fitting portion being integral with the secondsidewall portion, abuts against the inner surface of the first sidewallportion, the positioning rib will not be shifted or deformed outwardlyof the first sidewall portion.

Therefore, shift or deformation of the second sidewall portion will notbe generated. In addition, the lid section is prevented from digginginto the storage section.

In the storage case described above, it is needless to say that varioustypes of locking mechanisms for preventing accidental opening of thestorage section and the lid section can be employed, and specifically, aconstruction in which locking is made on the sidewall portion thatopposes to the connecting section in parallel when the lid is closed isalso included.

The fourth object is achieved by providing a magnetic tape cassettestorage case comprising:

a storage section for storing the magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion;

the storage section including a first plate portion and a first sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the first plate portion;

the lid section including a second plate portion and a second sidewallportion provided along the outer periphery of the second sidewallportion; and

the first sidewall portion including an overhanging portion overhangingoutwardly from the first sidewall portion;

characterized in that a fitting groove in which the edge of the secondsidewall portion is fitted is formed on the overhanging portion.

In the structure of the present invention described above, even when aforce is applied to the second plate portion and causes a resilientdeformation when the case is in the closed state, since the edge of thesecond wall portion and the fitting groove are fitted, the fittedportion serves as an element to prevent the outward movement. Therefore,the second wall portion resists deformation, and thus the second wallportion will not be shifted outwardly with respect to the entire case.

As a consequent, the lid section can be prevented from digging into thestorage section. This characteristic brings about the same effect when apressurizing force is applied to the first plate portion.

In this storage case, it is needless to say that various types oflocking mechanisms can be employed, and specifically, a construction inwhich locking is made on the sidewall portion that opposes to theconnecting section in parallel when the lid is closed in also included.

Providing the locking mechanism on the sidewall portion that opposes tothe connecting section in parallel when the lid is closed can preventthe storage case from irregular opening. Preventing irregular openingcan prevent the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portionfrom accidental resilient deformation, and thus shift or deformation ofthe sidewall portion of the storage case caused by the resilientdeformation may be prevented.

According to the present invention, the magnetic tape cassette storagecase having the characteristics described above is proposed. It isneedless to say that this magnetic tape cassette storage case has bothof the advantages described above.

The fifth object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing the magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section for covering the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the opening-closing motion; and

the storage section including a plate portion and a sidewall portionprovided along the outer periphery of the plate portion;

characterized in that the plate portion is formed with a reel lockingrib for engaging the engaging hole on the hub of the tape reel and arecess locking rib for engaging the recess formed at the rear of thecassette with respect to the lid of the lower cassette half;

in that the recess locking rib is set to the height lower than theheight of the reel locking rib;

in that where the distance between the reference ring of the lower reelconstituting the tape reel and the circular opening that corresponds tothe outer periphery of the reference ring and formed on the lowercassette half is b, and the distance between the engaging hole of thehub and the reel locking rib is a, the relation is a>b;

in that the distance c from the both side surfaces of the cassette andthe rear surface of the cassette to the sidewall portion of the storagesection facing to these respective surfaces and the distance c betweenthe recess and the recess locking rib are set to the same value.

According to the structure of the present invention described above,since the recess locking rib that engages the recess of the lowercassette half when the cassette is properly inserted is formed at therear of the cassette with respect to the lid, even when the cassette isinserted upside down by mistake, it does not abut against the lid thatcovers the magnetic tape.

Therefore, since the lid and the recess locking rib do not abut againsteach other even when the user inserted the cassette into the storagesection of the storage case in a wrong way, deformation and damage ofthe lid can be prevented and thus the magnetic tape is protected.

The height of the recess locking rib is set to the height lower than thereel locking rib for locking the hub of the reel on which the magnetictape is wound.

Therefore, since the height of the recess locking rib is not that high,even when the user inserted the cassette into the storage section of thestorage case in the proper orientation but in the state of being shiftedfrom the proper position in the direction B by mistake, deformation anddamage of the lid (inner lid) is prevented. In addition, even when thecassette is inserted into the storage section of the storage case upsidedown and in the state of being shifted in the fro-and-aft direction fromthe proper position, deformation and damage of the lid (top lid) isprevented.

The distance b between the reference ring of the lower reel and acircular opening formed on the lower cassette half is set to the smallervalue than the distance a between the engaging hole of the hub and thereel engaging rib.

Therefore, even when the storage case with the cassette stored drops,the reel reference ring comes into collision with the wall of thecircular opening of the lower cassette half in the first place to absorbthe impact, whereby excessive load is not applied to the reel lockingrib.

Since the distance c from the both side surface of the cassette and therear surface of the cassette to the sidewall portion of the storagesection opposing to these surfaces, and the distance c between therecess and the recess locking rib are the same value, the clearancewhere the storage case and the cassette come into contact is uniform.

Therefore, since a load applied under vibration is uniform, theoccurrence of scratches or powder due to rubbing between the storagecase and the cassette can be dispersed.

The sixth object of the present invention is achieved by a metal moldfor magnetic tape cassette storage cases comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette,

a lid section including a peripheral wall surrounding the storagesection,

a connecting section for connecting the storing section and the lidsection so as to enable opening-and-closing motion integrally formed ofsynthetic resin,

at least one holding rib that abuts the peripheral edge of the surfaceof the magnetic tape cassette when the magnetic tape cassette is storedfor holding the magnetic tape cassette between itself and the plateportion of the storage section being formed on the inner surface of theperipheral wall of the lid section, and

an overhanging sheet holding rib extending inwardly of the peripheralwall for holding the sheet end of the information sheet between itselfand the plate portion of the lid section being formed on at least one ofthe holding ribs,

characterized in that a rib-molding core for forming the holding ribaccompanied by a sheet holding rib is provided on the movable die forforming the inner side of the magnetic tape cassette storage case so asto be able to project therefrom, and to pivot in the direction along theperipheral wall when it is projected from the movable die.

According to the metal mold for magnetic tape cassette storage case ofthe present invention, since the direction of the pivotal movement ofthe rib-molding core when it is projected from the movable core runsalong the peripheral wall of the magnetic tape cassette storage case,the line formed at the junction between the rib-molding core and themeal mold is formed along the sidewall of the magnetic tape cassettestorage case. Therefore, the line at the junction between therib-molding core and the metal mold extending to the center of themagnetic tape cassette storage case is not formed, thereby preventingthe appearance and the interior visibility from being spoiled.

Since the sheet holding rib is generally thin for the extent ofprojection, the extent of overhang of the under cut is small, and thusthe extent of pivotal movement of the rib-molding core may be small andthe metal mold may be manufactured at low cost.

The rib-molding core according to the present invention may be a corespecially constructed for molding the holding rib accompanied by a sheetholding rib, or it may also serve as a pushing pin for releasing themolded article from the metal mold. In the latter case, the moldingsurface for molding the holding rib is formed on the side surface of thedistal end of the pushing pin.

The sixth object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:

a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette;

a lid section having a peripheral wall surrounding the storage section;

a connecting section for connecting the storage section and the lidsection so as to enable the open-and-close motion integrally molded ofsynthetic resin;

at least one holding rib that abuts the peripheral edge of the surfaceof the magnetic tape cassette when the magnetic tape cassette is storedfor holding the magnetic tape cassette between itself and the plateportion of the storage section being formed on the inner surface of theperipheral wall of the lid section, and

an overhanging sheet holding rib extending inwardly of the peripheralwall for holding the sheet end of the information sheet between itselfand the plate portion of the lid section being formed on at least one ofthe holding ribs,

characterized in that the holding rib accompanied by the sheet holdingrib is formed with a seat at the proximal end on the side of the plateportion of the lid section and with a back holder at the proximal end onthe peripheral wall side.

According to the magnetic tape cassette storage case of the presentinvention, by making the configuration of the seat and rib-molding corein agreement, the line formed by the junction between the rib-moldingcore and the metal mold can be eliminated, and thus the appearance andthe interior visibility are not spoiled. In addition, since therib-molding core does not come into contact with the molded lid sectionof the magnetic tape cassette storage case when it accomplishes apivotal movement, there is no chance to scratch the lid section of themagnetic tape cassette storage case. By providing a back holder on theholding rib, when the rib-molding core accomplishes a pivotal movement,not only the end surface of the rib-molding core, but also the sidesurface thereof immediately move away from the peripheral wall of themolded magnetic tape cassette storage case, and thus the peripheral wallof the magnetic tape cassette storage case is not scratched.

The seventh object of the present invention is achieved by providing ametal mold for molding magnetic tape cassette storage cases constructedby the combination of a first case and a second case each having a plateand a peripheral wall, in which the peripheral wall of at least one ofthe first case and the second case includes a wall of 6 mm or more inheight,

characterized in that the wall having a rib being in contact with theplate and extending along the wall from among the walls described aboveis formed in part by the ejector pin that pushes the case out from themain body of the metal mold by the distal end surface while passingthrough the main body of the metal mold having a cavity for the rib onits side surface for molding the inside of the case, and the wall thatdoes not have a rib from among the walls described above is formed inpart by the ejector pin for pushing the case out from the main body ofthe metal mold by the distal end surface passing through the main bodyof the metal mold for molding the inside of the case.

In other words, in the metal mold for magnetic tape cassette storagecase of the present invention, the wall having a rib being in contactwith the top plate and extending along the peripheral wall, such as apositioning rib or a supporting rib on the lid section from among thesidewalls and the end wall of at least 6 mm in height constituting theperipheral wall is formed in part by the ejector pin having a cavity forthe rib on the side surface for pushing the case, or the molded article,by the distal end surface. The wall that does not have the rib frombetween the sidewalls and the end wall of at least 6 mm in height ismolded by the ejector pin in part.

When the sidewalls and the end wall constituting the peripheral wall donot have the rib, a part of each wall is formed by the ejector pin. Atthis time, the ejector pin is preferably disposed in the cavity near thelocation where resin is filled at last, which can make breathingsmoother.

As an ejector pin, a inclining pin or an ejector pin that pushes themolded article out in the direction parallel to the movement of the mainbody of the movable metal mold may be employed. The clearance betweenthe main body of the metal mold and the ejector pin that passes throughthe main body of the metal mold at the time of molding is preferably0.01-0.03 mm. If the clearance is below 0.01 mm, pushing-out operationcannot be made smoothly, and if it exceeds 0.03 mm, bur or the like willbe generated.

According to the metal mold for magnetic tape cassette storage case inthis arrangement, breathing can be performed reliably in the case ofmolding the magnetic tape cassette storage case having a peripheral wallof at least 6 mm in height, thereby preventing babbles from beingtrapped in the sidewalls or the like of the storage case. Therefore, themagnetic tape cassette storage case with a good appearance may beobtained.

The seventh object of the present invention is achieved by providing amagnetic tape cassette storage case constructed by the combination of afirst case and a second case each having a plate and a peripheral wall,in which the peripheral wall of at least one of the first case and thesecond case includes a wall of 6 mm or more in height;

characterized in that the wall having a rib being in contact with theplate and extending along the wall from among the walls described aboveis formed in part by the ejector pin that pushes the case out from themain body of the metal mold by the distal end surface while passingthrough the metal mold body having a cavity for the rib on its sidesurface for molding the inside of the case, and the wall that does nothave a rib from among the walls described above is formed in part by theejector pin for pushing the case out from the main body of the metalmold by the distal end surface passing through the main body of themetal mold for molding the inside of the case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetic tape cassette storagecase according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a magnetic tape cassette storagecase according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the informationsheet holding portion.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A—A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the magnetic tapecassettes.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette storage case according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention in the opened state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette storage case in the closed state.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and the action ofthe thick portion.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing the action of a principalportion of the magnetic tape cassette storage case in the opened state.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette storage case according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention in the opened state.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and the actionof the thick portion.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette storage case according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention in the opened state.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the principal portion showingthe structure and the action of the thick portion.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the closedstate.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the principalportion of the magnetic tape cassette storage case of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a magnetic tape cassette storage case according to theseventh embodiment of the present invention in the opened state.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the principalportion of the storage case.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the magnetic tape cassette storagecase according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X—X of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y—Y of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 (a) shows a state in which the magnetic tape cassette 1081 isinserted upside down by mistake, and (b) is a state in which the lid isclosed in the state of (a).

FIG. 33 is a drawing showing a state in which the magnetic tape cassetteis properly stored in the storage case.

FIG. 34 is a drawing showing the storage case of FIG. 33, viewed fromthe direction of P.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storage caseaccording to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the magnetic tape cassette for Betacam.

FIG. 37 is a modification of the storage case for magnetic tape cassetteaccording to the nineteenth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette storagecase, a magnetic tape cassette, and the information sheet according tothe twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the principalportion of the storage case for magnetic tape cassette according to thetwentieth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view showing a state in which the magnetictape cassette and the information sheet is stored in the magnetic tapecassette storage case according to the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the rib-molding core for molding theholding rib of the magnetic tape cassette storage case according to thetwentieth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a drawing showing the principal portion of the metal moldincluding a rib-molding core for molding the holding rib of the magnetictape cassette storage case according to the twentieth embodiment, inwhich FIG. 42(a) is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the holding ribviewed from the front, and FIG. 42(b) is a conceptual cross-sectionalview of the holding rib viewed from the side.

FIG. 43 is a process drawing showing from molding operation to releasingoperation in the metal mold according to the twentieth embodiment, inwhich FIG. 43(a) is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the moldingoperation, FIG. 43(b) is a conceptual cross sectional view when the dieis opened, and FIG. 43(c) is a conceptual cross-sectional view ofreleasing operation.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the twenty-first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 45 is a partly enlarged perspective view showing the twenty-secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing an example of the storage casesfor magnetic tape cassettes of the related art.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing an example of the magnetic tapecassettes.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing an example of the magnetic tapecassette storage case of the related art.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of theinformation sheet holding portion of the related art.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette storage case of the related art in the closed state.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing the structure of the magnetic tapecassette.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the lockingprojection and the locking recess.

FIG. 53 is an enlarged plan view of a principal portion of the magnetictape cassette storage case showing the action to open the same.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing an example of the magnetic tapecassette storage case of the related art.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette to be storedin the magnetic tape cassette storage case.

FIG. 56 is a drawing showing a state in which the lid section isdeformed when a pressurized force is applied.

FIG. 57 is a drawing showing a state in which the storage section andthe lid section are not engaged.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing an example of the magnetic tapecassette storage case of the related art.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the DVC.

FIG. 60 is a side view of the magnetic tape cassettes stored in thestorage section upside down.

FIG. 61 is a drawing showing a state in which the magnetic tape cassetteis properly inserted into the storage section.

FIG. 62 is a drawing showing the storage case for storing the magnetictape cassettes of the related art.

FIG. 63 is a partially enlarged plan view of another illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the attached drawings, the first embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the storage casefor magnetic tape cassette. For the explanation of this embodiment, themagnetic tape cassette shown in FIG. 47 will be used as appropriate.

The storage case 1 is formed, for example, of polypropylene for enablingthe hinged movement, and has such a structure that the storage section 3and the lid section 5 are connected via the connecting section 7. Thestorage section 3 comprises a first plate portion 11, a first sidewallportion 13 formed integrally along the three sides of the outerperiphery of the first plate portion 11, a pair of reel locking ribs 15a, 15 b of hollow cylindrical shape formed on the first plate portion 11at the positions somewhat closer to the rear side than to the frontside, and a opening locking rib 14 formed on the first plate 11 at theposition somewhat closer to the front side in a V-shape in crosssection.

When the magnetic tape cassette 1481 shown in FIG. 47 is stored, asshown by a phantom line in FIG. 1, the magnetic tape cassette 1481 isfitted in the first sidewall portion 13, and the reel locking ribs 15 b,15 a are inserted and pressed into the circular engaging holes B formedat the centers of the engaging portions 1489 a, 1489 b of the magnetictape cassette 1481, and simultaneously, the opening 1493 of the magnetictape cassette 1481 is inserted and pressed into the opening locking rib14, so that the magnetic tape cassette 1481 is restricted in positionand thus is properly stored. It is also possible to form only one of thereel locking ribs 15 a, 15 b and the opening locking rib 14 on the firstplate portion 11 of the storage section 3, or other members havingdifferent configuration may be employed for restricting the position ofthe magnetic tape cassette 1481.

The lid section 5 comprises a second plate portion 21, and a secondsidewall portion 23 formed integrally along the three sides of the outerperiphery of the second plate portion 21. The connecting section 7comprises thin portions 33 a, 33 b on both sides of the third plateportion 31, which enables the storage section 3 and the lid section 5 toclose as a book.

Outside of the first sidewall portion 13 that defines the storagesection 3, there is provided an overhanging portion 11 a that is formedby a part of the first plate portion 11 in an overhanging manner.Therefore, even when the storage section 3 and the lid section 5 areclosed, and the second sidewall portion 23 of the lid section 5 isfitted around the first sidewall portion 13 of the storage section 3,the overhanging portion 11 a prevents the storage section 3 from gettinginto the lid section 5, and thus the thickness of the storage case 1 maybe maintained as a whole.

The outer surface of the first sidewall portion 13 is formed with arecess 13 a as a locked portion, and the inner surface of the secondsidewall portion 23 is formed with a projection 23 a as a lockingportion at the position corresponding to the recess 13 a when thestorage section 3 and the lid section 5 are closed. Therefore, when thestorage section 3 and the lid section 5 are closed with each other, theprojection 23 a and the recess 13 a engage to prevent an accidentalopening of the storage section 3 and the lid section 5. The positions,the number, and the configurations of the projection 23 a and the recess13 a are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but variousmodifications are possible.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a reinforcing rib 26 a is formed on theoutside of the second sidewall portion 23 of the lid section 5 at theend closer to the connecting section, and a bevel 26 b is formed at theinside of the rib 26 a as a cut-off portion having the same height asthe height H (shown in FIG. 1) of the second sidewall portion 23 of thelid section 5.

According to the storage case 1 of the present invention, when thestorage section 3 and the lid section 5 are closed, even if the secondsidewall portion 23 of the lid section 5 formed of polypropylene is inthe deflected state shown by a phantom line in FIG. 2 by a pressurizingforce applied in the direction of P, the bevel 26 b provided on thesecond sidewall portion 23 of the lid section 5 abuts against the firstsidewall portion 13 of the storage section 3, which ensures that thesecond sidewall portion 23 of the lid section 5 is fitted on the outsideof the first sidewall portion 13 of the storage section 3. Therefore,imperfect closing of the storage case is prevented by the bevel 26 b.The bevel 26 b does not have to have the same dimension as the height Hof the second sidewall section 23, or does not have to reach the surfaceof the plate portion 21, as far as it has a dimension not less than theheight h (shown in FIG. 1) of the first sidewall portion 13 of thestorage section 3. It is because a dimension as described above allowsthe sidewall portion 23 to be guided to the first sidewall portion 13smoothly until the lid section 5 is completely closed, even when thesidewall section 23 is deflected. The bevel 26 b is not limited to aflat surface, but may be a curved surface or the like, for example (seeFIG. 63).

The first embodiment is not limited to the magnetic tape cassettestorage case for the DVC, but is also applicable to the storage case forstoring other types of cassettes.

Referring now to the accompanied drawings, the second embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inside structure of the magnetictape cassette storage case; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing theouter structure of the magnetic tape cassette storage case; and FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A—A of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 isa perspective view of an example of the magnetic tape cassettes to bestored, viewed from the bottom side.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the magnetic cassette tape T will be described.FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape cassette T viewed fromthe bottom side, and thus the upper cassette half 311 is shown below thelower cassette half 313. The lower cassette half 313 is formed withcircular openings 315 a, 315 b at two positions thereof, and theengaging portions 317 a, 317 b formed integrally with the reel hubs onwhich the magnetic tape is wound thereon (not shown) are exposed. Theseengaging portions 317 a, 317 b have a function to unwind and wind themagnetic tape when it is mounted in the recording/playing apparatus, anda function to be fitted on the reel locking rib to prevent rattling ofthe magnetic tape cassette T when it is stored in the storage case 271.

On the front side of the magnetic tape cassette T, an outer lid 321 isprovided for pivotal movement, and when it is mounted in therecording/playing apparatus, the magnetic tape is pulled out after theouter lid 321 is pivoted as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 6. There isformed a recessed front opening 323 inside the outer lid 321 at near thecenter in such a manner that the upper and lower cassette halves 311,313 are notched, and there is provided a shoulder 325 on one end of thefront opening 323 on one end of the front opening 323. Both of them havea function of positioning when the magnetic tape cassette T is mountedin the recording/playing apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the storage case will be described.The storage case 101 is formed integrally of synthetic resin, and thestorage section 103 and the lid section 105 are connected via theconnecting section 107.

The storage section 103 comprises a first plate portion 211, a firstsidewall portion 213 formed along three sides of the outer peripherythereof, a wrong insertion preventing rib 215 formed on the first plateportion 211 near the connecting section 107, a pair of reel locking rib229 a, 229 b. When the magnetic tape cassette T is properly stored inthe storage case 101, it is fitted within the sidewall portion 213 asshown by a phantom line in FIG. 3.

The lid section 105 comprises a second sidewall portion 223 formedintegrally along three sides of the outer periphery of the second plateportion 211, a locking projection 223 a formed on the inner surface ofthe second sidewall portion 223, and a cassette holding rib 225 and areinforcing rib 227 formed at the corner between the second plateportion 221 and the second sidewall portion 223.

The connecting section 107 comprises thin portions 233 a, 233 b formedon both sides of the third plate portion 231 for hinged movement, andcassette holding ribs 235 a, 235 b formed in the vicinity of both endsof the third plate portion 231. When the storage section 103 and the lidsection 105 are closed, both sides of the connecting section 107 arebent so that the storage section 103 and the lid section 105 can becloses as a book (See FIG. 4).

Outside of the first sidewall portion 213 constituting the storagesection 103, there is provided an overhanging portion 211 a that isformed by a part of the first plate portion 211 in an overhangingmanner. Therefore, even when the storage section 103 and the lid section105 are closed, and the second sidewall portion 223 of the lid section105 is fitted around the first sidewall portion 213 of the storagesection 103, the over hanging portion 211 a prevents the storage section103 from getting into the lid section 105, and thus the thickness of thestorage case 101 may be maintained as a whole. The outer surface of thefirst sidewall portion 213 is formed with a recessed locking portion 213a.

On the other hand, the locking projection 223 a formed on the lidsection 105 is formed on the inner surface of the second sidewallportion 223 at the position corresponding to the locking portion 213 awhen the storage section 103 and the lid section 105 are closed.Therefore, when the storage section 103 and the lid section 105 areclosed with each other, the locking projection 223 a is locked to thelocking portion 213 a to prevent the storage section 103 and the lidsection 105 from being separated. The positions and the numbers of thelocking portion 213 a and the locking portion 223 a to be formed are notlimited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, but various modifications maybe made.

The wrong insertion preventing rib 215 serves to store the magnetic tapecassette T in the storage case 101 and prevent rattling when the lidsection 105 is closed as shown in FIG. 4. The wrong insertion preventingrib 215 engages the front opening 323 of the magnetic tape cassette T.The reel locking ribs 229 a, 229 b engage the holes B formed at thecenters of the engaging portions 317 a, 317 b of the magnetic tapecassette T. The wrong insertion preventing rib 215 and the reel lockingribs 229 a, 229 b enables the magnetic tape cassette T to be stored inthe storage case 101 without applying undue force to the magnetic tapecassette T and without rattling.

The information sheet holding portion 241 will now be described.

According to FIG. 3, the information sheet holding portion 241 is formedover the backside of the storage section 103 and the connecting section107. Therefore, in a state where the storage section 103 and the lidsection 105 are closed with the storage section 103 placed upside, theinformation sheet holding portion 241 is appeared on the upper surfaceof the storage case 101 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

The information sheet holding portion 241 comprises a flat portion 243formed over the backside of the first plate portion 211 constituting thestorage section 103, a flat portion 245 formed over the backside of thethird plate portion 231 constituting the connecting section 107, rib 247formed along three sides of the flat portion 243, ribs 249 a, 249 bformed on both sides of the flat portion 245, and a sheet 251 welded soas to partly cover the flat portions 243, 245.

Describing the positions of the ribs 247, 249 a according to FIG. 3, therib 247 corresponds to the lower side of the overhanging portion 211 a,and the rib 249 a corresponds to the back surface of the cassetteholding rib 235 a on the viewer's side.

The seat 251 is formed of flexible transparent synthetic resin. One endof the seat 251 is welded to the flat portion 243 at the weldingposition a along the rib 247 shown by a dot dash line in FIG. 4, and theother end is welded to the welding position b shown by a dot dash line.The welding position b is located at about the backside of the grooveportion 233 a.

When the magnetic tape cassette T is stored in the storage case 101, theinformation sheet 253 on which the recorded contents or the like arelisted is inserted into the information sheet holding portion 241. Inthis embodiment, the problem described above does not occur at all.

In other words, even when the information sheet 253 is larger than thesheet 251, it runs along the flat portions 243, 245 as far as it is thesize that can be accommodated in the rib 247. Therefore, it is neitherdeformed nor protruded from the rib 247, and thus dirt or damage of theinformation sheet 253 can be prevented.

When the number of information sheets 253 is increased, the sheet 251stretches. However, as far as the information sheet 253 can be housedwithin the height of the ribs 247, 249 a, 249 b, it is never rubbeddirectly, thereby preventing dirt and damage as described above.Therefore, when it is placed, for example, on the desk with the uppersurface shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 faced down, the information sheet 253does not come in direct contact with the desk or the like. Even when itis placed on top of another, prevention of dirt and damage is achieved.

In contrast to it, when the information sheet 253 was small and wasentered completely under the sheet 251, it was troublesome to take itout in the related art. However, according to this embodiment, all theuser have to do is just to insert his/her finger under the sheet 251 andpulled it out along the flat portions 243, 245 in the lateral direction.

As is described thus far, the storage case 101 of this embodiment isable to prevent dirt or damage of the information sheet 253 irrespectiveof the size or the number of the information sheet 253, and is easy toload and to take out the information sheet 253. Even when many pieces ofinformation sheets 253 are loaded, it is easy to take them out, therebyimproving usability of the storage case 101 itself.

Though the second embodiment has been described thus far, the presentinvention is not limited thereto.

For example, the information sheet holding portion 241 formed bycovering a part of the flat portion with a sheet may be provided on thebackside of the lid section 105. Likewise, it may be provided all overthe backsides of the storage section 103, the connecting section 107,and the lid section 105. In this case, a rib that projects to the higherposition than the level of the transparent sheet is provided at leastalong a part of the periphery of the plate portion constituting theinformation sheet holding portion.

Referring now to the attached drawings, the third embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the storage case;FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the storage case in a closed state; FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the principalportion of the storage case; and FIG. 10 is a plan view of a principalportion of the storage case illustrating the opening operation.

The structure of the storage case of the present invention is the sameas the storage case 1850 shown in FIG. 50 except for the portions thatare the characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, theportions other than the characteristics of the present invention willnot be described here unless otherwise specially required.

FIG. 7 shows the storage case 520 for magnetic tape cassettes accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention in the opened state,and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing in the closed state. In thestorage case 520, the second sidewall portion 409 constituting the lidsection 402 is formed with thick portion 521 on the outer wall surfacethereof. The thick portion S521 is formed at the position correspondingto the outside of the locking projection 409 b in this embodiment, andthe length thereof is the same as the second sidewall portion 409 andthe width W is lightly wider than the width of the locking projection409 b.

According to this structure, when the storage case 520 is closed asshown in FIG. 8, the locking projection 409 b engages with the lockingrecess 405 b, and the outside of the engaging position is covered by thethick portion 521. Since the thickness t of the thick portion 521corresponds to the sum of the thickness t1 of the second sidewallportion 409 and the height h1 of the first and second overhangingportions 404 a, 408 a as shown in FIG. 9, they are flush with each otherover the width W at the position where the thick portion 521 is formed.Therefore, when the storage case 520 is opened, the user holds theportion other than the thick portion 521 with his/her fingers as shownin FIG. 10 since the portion where the thick portion 521 is formed isslippery for holding with his/her fingers.

In other words, in the structure of this embodiment, when the storagecase 520 is opened, the position where the user holds deviates from thelocking position between the locking projection 409 b and the lockingrecess 405 b. In addition, providing the thick portion 521 enforce theportion of the second sidewall portion 409 where the locking projection405 is formed. Therefore, as shown by a phantom line in FIG. 10, evenwhen the user puts power into the first and second overhanging potions404 a, 408 a with fingers in order to open the storage case 520, thelocking projection 409 b is not pressed toward the locking recess 405 b,and thus it can be opened smoothly.

Referring now to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective viewshowing the structure of the storage case in the opened state, and FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of the principal portion showing the lockedstate. The difference between this embodiment and the third embodimentis that the locking structure is provided in addition to the thickportion 521. Therefore, the portions other then the characteristics ofthis embodiment will not be described here unless otherwise speciallyrequired.

The storage case 520 of this embodiment is formed with a locking recess405 c on the first overhanging portion 404 a, and a locking projection409 c is provided at the position corresponding to the locking recess405 c when the end portion of the second sidewall portion 409, or thelid section 402, is closed as shown in FIG. 11 by enlarging theprincipal portion. In this structure, when the storage section 401 andthe lid section 402 are closed as shown in FIG. 12, the rockingprojection 409 b engages the locking recess 405 b, and the lockingprojection 409 c engage the locking recess 405 c.

On the other hand, when the storage case 520 is opened, since there isprovided a thick portion 521 as in the case of the first embodiment, theuser tries to open the case by holding the storage case 520 with his/herfingers placed at the overhanging portions 404 a, 408 a, which isdeviated from the thick portion 521, as is described in conjunction withFIG. 10.

In this case, even when the user puts power into his/her fingers, thestorage case can be opened easily by the following two actions. Thefirst action is that the thick portion 521 prevents the second sidewallportion 409 from being deformed, so that it resists the pressing actionof the locking projection 409 b with respect to the locking recess 405b. The second action is that the locking projection 409 c provided atthe end of the second sidewall portion 409 engages the locking recess405 c, so that it resists pressing.

Therefore, when the user tries to open the storage case 520, themultiplier effect of the first and the second reasons eliminatedeflected deformation of the thick portion 521, and thus of the entiresecond sidewall portion 409, thereby facilitating the operation to openthe storage case 520.

Referring now to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective viewshowing the structure of the storage case in the opened state, and FIG.14 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of the principalportion showing the locked state. The difference between this embodimentand the first embodiment is that the locking structure is provided inaddition to the thick portion 521. Therefore, the portions other thanthe characteristics of this embodiment will not be described here unlessotherwise specially required.

The storage case 520 in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 13 byenlarging the principal portion, provided with two locking recesses 405c on the first overhanging portion 404 a, and two locking projections409 c are provided at the positions corresponding to the lockingrecesses 405 c when the end of the second sidewall portion 409, or thelid section 402, is closed. Two locking recesses 405 c are provided onboth sides of the locking recess 405 b, and two locking projections 409c are provided on both sides of the thick portion 521.

In this structure, when the storage section 401 and the lid section 402are closed, as shown in FIG. 14, the locking recess 405 b engages thelocking projection 409 b, and the locking projection 409 c engages thelocking recess 405 c on both sides of the thick portion 521, in otherwords, at the position where the user places his/her fingers on when thestorage case 520 is opened.

When the storage case 520 is opened, since there is provided a thickportion 521 as in the case of the third embodiment, the user tries toopen the case by holding the storage case 520 with his/her fingersplaced at the overhanging portions 404 a, 408 a, which is deviated fromthe thick portion 521, as is described in conjunction with FIG. 10.

In this case, even when the use puts power into his/her fingers, thestorage case can be opened with the following two actions. The firstaction is that the thick portion 521 prevents the second sidewallportion 409 from being deformed, so that it resists the pressing actionof the locking projection 409 b with respect to the locking recess 405b. The second action is that the locking projection 409 c provided atthe end of the second sidewall portion 409 engages the locking recess405 c at the position where the fingers are placed, so that it resistspressing.

Therefore, when the user tries to open the storage case 520, even whenhe/she puts power into his/her fingers, the second sidewall portion 409is not deformed because the locking projection 409 c is supported by thelocking recess 405 c. In addition, since the thick portion 521 isprovided, the position where the locking projection 409 b and thelocking recess 405 b are engaged is not subjected to a force, and thusthe storage case 520 can easily be opened.

Though the third to fifth embodiments has been described thus far, thepresent invention is not limited to those embodiments, but variousdeformations may be made. For example, it is also applicable to make thewhole portion of the second sidewall on which the locking projection isformed thicker, and form a recess on a part of it for placing a finger.Alternatively, when the position of the locking projection and thelocking recess is not at the center of the elongated side of thesidewall portion as in the case of the third to fifth embodiments, thesame action and effect can be expected by forming a thick portion at theposition corresponding to the position of the locking projection and thelocking recess as a matter of course.

Referring now to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the sixth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view ofthe storage case in closed state, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showingthe structure of the principal portion of the storage case shown in FIG.15. The different point between this embodiment and the third to fifthembodiments is that the notches 404 c, 408 c are provided to be flushwith the sidewall portion 409 instead of the thick portion 521.Therefore, the portions other than the characteristics of thisembodiment will not be described here unless otherwise speciallyrequired.

The storage case 520 in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG.16, formed with notches 404 c, 408 c on the first and second overhangingportions 404 a, 408 a respectively. The notches 404 c, 408 c are formedat the positions corresponding to the outside of the locking projection409 b and the locking recess 405 b in this embodiment, and the width isslightly wider than the width of the locking projection 409 b. There arealso provided arrows 525 a, 525 b indicating the directions to open thestorage case on both sides of the notches 404 c, 408 c. These arrows 525a, 525 b aid the user to know the position to open. These arrows 525 a,525 b may be provided in the third to fifth embodiments described above,but it is not necessarily required to provide these arrows 525 a, 525 b.

In this arrangement, since the portions of the first and secondoverhanging portions 404 a, 408 a where the notches 404 c, 408 c areformed are flush with the sidewall portion 409, even if the user placedhis/her fingers on the position where the notches 404 c, 408 c areformed, it is slippery, and thus the user place his/her fingers on thepositions deviated from the notches 404 c, 408 c, or more specifically,on the first and the second overhanging portions 404 a, 408 a in thevicinity of the arrows 525 a, 525 b. Therefore, even when the userplaces his/her fingers on the first and the second overhanging portions404 a, 408 a and put power into his/her fingers to open the storage case520, the locking projection 409 b is not pressed toward the lockingrecess 405 b and thus the storage case 520 can be opened smoothly.

The seventh embodiment of the magnetic tape cassette storage case isdescribed in detail. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the structureof the storage case, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing theprincipal structure of the storage case.

The structure of the storage case of this embodiment is the same as thestorage case 1850 shown in FIG. 50 except for the portions that are thecharacteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the portions otherthan the characteristics of the present invention will not be describedhere unless otherwise specially required.

FIG. 17 is a storage case 580 for magnetic tape cassette 580 accordingto the seventh embodiment of the present invention in the opened state.In the storage case 580, a recess 539 c is formed on the outer wallsurface of the second sidewall portion 539 constituting the lid section532. On the other hand, the first sidewall portion 535 is formed alongtwo sides of the outer periphery of the first plate portion 534constituting the storage section 531, and a locking projection 548projecting inwardly is formed thereon as well. The second sidewallportion 539 is larger in width in comparison with the locking projection548 described above, so as to facilitate the user to place his/herfingers.

In this arrangement, when the storage case 580 is closed as shown inFIG. 18, the tip portion of the locking projection 548 engages thelocking recess 539 c. When the storage case 520 is opened, the userplaces his/her fingers on the first and the second overhanging portions534 a, 538 a and presses on the thicker portion, or the second sidewallportion 539, in the direction B. Then the second sidewall portion 539deflects in the direction B. As a consequent, the locking recess 539 cmoves in the direction B to release the engagement with the lockingprojection 548, and thus the storage case can be opened smoothly.

The magnetic tape cassette to be stored in the embodiment describedabove is not limited to the DVC, but other magnetic tape cassette may bestored by modifying the dimensions of the respective parts and thelocking structure.

Referring now to the attached drawings, the eighth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

The structure of the storage case of this embodiment is the same as thestorage case 2150 shown in FIG. 54 except for the portions that are thecharacteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the portions otherthan the characteristics of the present invention will not be describedor will be simplified here unless otherwise specially required.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the magnetic tape storage caseaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Thecharacteristic structure of this embodiment includes fitting portions715 a, 715 b.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the fitting portions 715 a, 715 b will bedescribed. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X—X inFIG. 19, viewed in the direction shown by the arrow D1. However, thestorage case 801 is in the closed state and the magnetic tape cassetteis not stored therein. As is apparent from FIG. 20, the positioning ribs712 a, 712 b fit on the fitting recesses 711 a and 711 b respectively,and the fitting portions 715 a, 715 b, which are in parallel with thepositioning ribs 712 a, 712 b and extend inside the positioning ribs 712a, 712 b, abut against the inner surface of the first sidewall portion605. In this arrangement, the second sidewall portion 609 and thefitting portions 715 a, 715 b clamp the first sidewall portion 605 andthe engaging recesses 711 a, 711 b, and as a consequent, displacement ordeformation of the second sidewall portion 609 in the lateral directionin FIG. 20 is prevented. In addition, the fitting portions 715 a, 715 bserve as a deformation and displacement preventing member for thepositioning ribs 712 a, 712 b.

FIG. 21 shows a magnetic tape storage case 802 according to the ninthembodiment of the present invention. The characteristic structure of thepresent invention includes fitting portions 715 a, 715 b and a lockingmechanism 717 a, 717 b. The locking mechanism comprises a projection 717a and a recess 717 b, which are disposed at the longitudinal center ofthe second sidewall portion 609 and the first sidewall portion 605respectively. In this embodiment, the projection 717 a is formed on thelid section 602, and the recess 717 b is formed on the storage section601. However, it is also possible to form the recess on the lid section602 and the projection on the storage section 601. With the provision ofthe locking mechanism, even when a vertically pressurizing force isapplied to the plate potion of the storage case 802, irregular openingof the storage case can be prevented. By preventing irregular opening,the unforeseen resilient deformation of the sidewall portions 605, 609can be prevented, and thus displacement or deformation of the sidewallportion of the storage case as a result of the resilient deformation maybe prevented.

FIG. 22 shows a magnetic tape storage case 803 according to the tenthembodiment of the present invention. The characteristic structure ofthis embodiment includes a fitting groove 716. The elongated portion,which faces to the connecting section 603 in parallel when the case isclosed, of the second sidewall portion 609 of the lid section 602 ismolded so as to fit into the fitting groove 716. More specifically, thewidth to the edge of elongated portion is formed relatively wider thanother portions.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the fitting groove 716 will be described. FIG.23 is a cross-section taken along the line Y—Y in FIG. 22. The storagecase 803 is in the closed state, and the magnetic tape cassette is notstored herein. As is apparent from FIG. 23, the edge of the secondsidewall portion 609 is fitted in the fitting groove 716 extending onthe overhanging portion 604 a. With this fitting, displacement anddeformation in the lateral direction in FIG. 22 can be prevented. Inaddition, though the fitting groove 716 that fits with the elongatedportion of the second sidewall portion 609 is shown in this embodiment,it is also conceivable that a fitting groove in which the shorterportion of the second sidewall portion 709 is fitted is further provide.

In FIG. 24, the storage case for magnetic tapes 804 according to theeleventh embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecharacteristic structure of this embodiment includes fitting portions715 a, 715 b and a fitting groove 716.

FIG. 25 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 805 according to thetwelfth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes a fitting groove 718 and a lockingmechanism 717 a, 717 b.

FIG. 26 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 806 according to thethirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes a fitting grooves 716 a, 716 b.This embodiment is characterized in that two fitting grooves 716 a, 716b exist, and in that the two portions of the second sidewall portion 609are formed slightly wider in order to be fitted in the fitting grooves716 a, 716 b. In addition, though the fitting grooves 716 a, 716 b to befitted with the elongated portion of the second sidewall portion 609 isshown in this embodiment, it is also conceivable that the fitting groovein which the shorter portion of the second sidewall portion 609 isfitted is further provided.

FIG. 27 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 807 according to thefourteenth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes the fitting portions 715 a, 715 b,and the fitting grooves 716 a, 716 b.

FIG. 28 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 808 according to thefifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes fitting grooves 716 a, 716 b and alocking mechanism 717 a, 717 b.

FIG. 29 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 809 according to thesixteenth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes fitting portions 715 a, 715 b, afitting groove 716, and a locking mechanism 717 a, 717 b.

FIG. 30 shows a storage case for magnetic tapes 810 according to theseventeenth embodiment of the present invention. The characteristicstructure of this embodiment includes fitting portions 715 a, 715 b,fitting grooves 716 a, 716 b, and a locking mechanism 717 a, 717 b.

The embodiments described above may be applied to the magnetic tapecassettes other than the DVC.

Referring now to the drawings, the eighteenth embodiment of the presentinvention will be described.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a storage case for magnetic tapes1020 according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.The same structure as the storage case 2350 of the related art will notbe described, or will be briefly described.

The storage case 1020 of the eighteenth embodiment is formed integrallyof synthetic resin, in which the storage section 901 and the lid section902 are connected via the connecting section 903. The storage section901 comprises a first plate portion 904, a sidewall portion 905 formedintegrally along the outer periphery of the first plate portion 904, arecess locking rib 1017 of V-shape in cross section formed on the firstplate portion 904 closer to the front edge, and a pair of reel lockingribs 1016 a, 1016 b that engage reel hubs of the magnetic tape cassette2381. When the magnetic tape cassette 1081 is stored properly, it isloosely fitted within the sidewall portion 905 as shown by a phantomline in FIG. 31.

The recess locking rib 1017 is described now. The recess locking rib1017 is not fitted in the front opening 2393 shown in FIG. 59, butfitted in the shoulder 2395. Therefore, the height of the recess lockingrib 1017 is set to almost the same dimension as the depth of theshoulder 2395, and the curvature of the side surface of the recesslocking rib 1017 is set to almost the same as the curvature of the edgeof the shoulder 2395. Since the depth of the engaging hole B shown inFIG. 59 is deeper than the depth of the shoulder 2395, the height of therecess locking rib 1017 is set to be smaller than the height of the reellocking ribs 1016 a, 1016 b. The recess locking rib 1017 is formed atthe rear of the cassette with respect to the top lid 2397.

When the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is stored in the storage case 1020of the present invention, the front opening 2393 is faced downward,which is upside down of the magnetic tape cassette shown in FIG. 59, sothat the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is inserted into the sidewallportion 905 with the shoulder 2395 faced toward the recess locking rib1017 and the reel locking ribs 1016 a, 1016 b faced toward the engaginghole B.

When the magnetic tape cassette 2381 is inserted upside down in a wrongway as shown in FIG. 32(a), since the recess locking rib 1017 is formedat the rear of the cassette with respect to the top lid 2397, the toplid 2397 and the recess locking rib 1017 do not abut against each otheras shown in FIG. 32(b) even if the magnetic tape cassette 2381 ispressed by closing the lid 902. Therefore, deformation and damage of thetop lid 2397 may be prevented and thus deformation and damage of theouter lid and the inner lid that are connected thereto may also beprevented to ensure the protection of the magnetic tape.

Since the rib is not formed with an opening locking portion and theheight of the recess locking rib 1017 is set to be lower in comparisonwith the related art, even when the user inserted the magnetic tapecassette 2381 into the storage section 901 in the state of being shiftedbackward of the cassette, or in the direction B (shown in FIG. 32(a)), aundue pressing force caused by the height of the rib 7 as shown in FIG.60 is not applied. Therefore, the deformation and damage of the top lid2397 may be prevented. Even when it is inserted into the storage section901 of the storage case 1020 in the proper orientation but in the stateof being shifted in the direction B by mistake, a undue pressing forcecaused by the height of the rib is not applied to the inner lidconnected to the inner surface of the top lid 2397 because the height ofthe recess locking rib 1017 is set to be low, thereby preventingdeformation and damage of the inner lid.

The characteristic structure of the eighteenth embodiment other thanthose stated above will be described. FIG. 33 is a magnetic tapecassette properly stored in the storage case, and FIG. 34 is a storagecase in FIG. 33 viewed from in the direction P. As shown in FIG. 33, thedistance between the reference ring 2312 b of the lower reel 2312constituting the tape reel 2310 and the circular opening 2387 b formedon the lower half 2385 is determine to be b. The distance between theengaging hole B of the hub 2315 and the reel locking rib 1016 a is setto a. The relation between these distances a and b is set to a>b. Insuch a dimensional relation, when the storage case drops, the reelreference ring 2312 b comes into collision with the wall of the circularopening 2387 b of the lower half 2385 in a first place. Then, afterabsorbing the impact by collision, a load of the engaging hole B of thehub 2315 acts on the reel locking rib 1016 a, thereby preventing anexcessive load from being applied.

The distance between the rear surface of the cassette and the sidewallportion 905 of the storage section 901 facing thereto is set to c, andthe distance between the shoulder 2395 of the cassette and the recesslocking rib 1017 is also set to c. In addition, as shown in FIG. 34, thedistance between the both surfaces of the cassette and the sidewallportion 905 of the storage section 901 facing thereto are also set to c.In other words, the clearance where the storage case and the cassettecome into contact is uniform.

Therefore, since a load applied under vibration is uniform, and thusoccurrence of scratches or powder due to rubbing between the storagecase and the cassette can be dispersed.

The nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the storage case 1041 for Betacamaccording to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 36 is a bottom view of the magnetic tape cassette 1100 for Betacam.

The storage case 1041 shown in FIG. 35 comprises a storage section 1043for storing the magnetic tape cassette 1100 shown in FIG. 36, a lidsection 1045, and a connecting section 1047. The storage section 1043comprises a first plate portion 1051, a first sidewall portion formedintegrally along the outer periphery of the first plate portion 1051,reel locking ribs 1055 a, 1055 b formed on the first plate portion 1051at the position somewhat closer to the rear end, and a recess lockingrib 1057 formed at the position somewhat closer to the front end. Whenthe magnetic tape cassette 1100 is stored properly, it is loosely fittedwithin the first sidewall portion 1053 as shown in a phantom line inFIG. 35.

The recess locking rib 1057 will be described here. The recess lockingrib 1057 is formed in the shape of a plate, on which the front opening1103, or the recess, shown in FIG. 36 is fitted. The height of therecess locking rib 1057 is set to the height lower than the reel lockingribs 1055 a, 1055 b, and the side surface is formed along the flatportion 1103 p of the front opening 1103. The recess locking rib 1057 isformed at the rear of the cassette with respect to the lid, so that itdoes not abut against the single-type lid 1107 when the cassette isinserted upside down by mistake. Therefore, the nineteenth embodimentmay prevent deformation and damage of the lid 1107, and ensuresprotection of the magnetic tape.

FIG. 37 shows a modification of the nineteenth embodiment. Since thestructure is the same as the nineteenth embodiment except for the recesslocking rib 1067, the description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 37,the recess locking rib 1067, which is the characteristic of thismodification, comprises a plate portion 1067 b and a curved portion 1067a, so that it can be inserted into the front opening 1103 shown in FIG.36. The height of the recess locking rib 1067 is set to the height lowerthan the height of the reel locking ribs 1055 a, 105 b, the plateportion 1067 b has a side surface along the flat portion 1103 p of thefront opening 1103, and the curved portion 1067 a has a side surfacealong the curved portion 1103 c. The recess locking rib 1067 is locatedat the position where it does not abut against the single-type lid 1107when the cassette is inserted upside down by mistake. Therefore, withthis modification, deformation and damage of the lid 1107 may beprevented, thereby ensuring the protection of the magnetic tape.

For example, the recess locking rib may be applied to the magnetic tapecassette other than the DVC or Betacam by modifying the configuration asappropriate without limited to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodimentsand the dimensional relation described above may be applied as a matterof course.

Referring now to the attached drawings, the twentieth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a storage case for magnetic tapecassettes, a magnetic tape cassette, and an information sheet accordingto the second embodiment according to the twentieth embodiment; FIG. 39is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a principal portion ofthe storage case for magnetic tape cassette according to the twentiethembodiment; FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the magnetic tapecassette storage case with the magnetic tape cassette and theinformation sheet stored therein; FIG. 41 is a perspective view of themetal mold according to the twentieth embodiment showing the rockingstate of the rib-molding core; FIGS. 42(a), (b) are conceptualcross-sectional views showing the principal portion of the metal moldincluding the rib-molding core for molding the principal portion of themagnetic tape cassette storage case according to the twentiethembodiment; and FIGS. 43(a), (b), (c) are the principal portion of themetal mold including the rib-molding core for molding the principalportion of the storage case for magnetic tape cassette according to thetwentieth embodiments showing a state where the rib-molding core ispivoted.

As shown in FIG. 38, the magnetic tape cassette storage case 1210 areformed by injection molding, and comprises a storage section 1212 forstoring the magnetic tape cassette A, and a lid section 1216 in whichone side is integrally connected to one of the longitudinal sides of thestorage section 1212 via the connecting section 1214.

The storage section 1212 is formed in a rectangular shape correspondingto the outer dimension of the magnetic tape cassette A, and comprises abottom plate 1222, or the first plate portion, having a plurality ofmounting projections 1218, 1220 corresponding to the recessed shape ofthe magnetic tape cassette A therein, and sidewalls 1224, 1224 and theend wall 1226, or the first sidewall portion, formed so as to extendupwardly along the periphery of the bottom plate 1222 to which themagnetic tape cassette is fitted. A positioning notch 1228 and a lockingrecess 1230 for engaging the lid section 1216 are formed on the upperedge of and on the outside surface of the sidewall 1224, and apositioning notch 1232 and the locking recess 1234 to be engaged withthe lid section 1216 are also formed on the upper end of and at thecenter of the outside surface of the end wall 1226.

Both of the elongated sides of the connecting section 1214 areintegrally connected to the bottom plate 1222 of the storage section1212 and the lid section 1216 respectively via the thin portions 1236,1238 so that it can be folded and deployed.

The lid section 1216 comprises a top plate 1240, or the second plateportion, connected to the connecting section 1214 for enabling thehinged movement, and sidewalls 1242, 1242 and the end wall 1244, or thesecond sidewall portion, that is formed on the inner surface of the topplate 1240, that is, to extend upwardly like a frame along three sidesof the surface opposing to the storage section 1212 and fits around theoutside of the sidewall 1224 and the end wall 1226 of the storagesection 1212. The heights of the sidewall 1242 and of the end wall 1244,and the width (height) of the connecting section 1214 correspond to thesum of the thickness of the magnetic tape cassette A and the storingthickness of the information sheet B.

The sidewall 1242 is formed with a positioning rib 1246 inside thereofand a locking claw 1248 for resiliently engages the notch 1228 and therecess 1230 on the storage section 1212 to hold the lid in the closedstate, and the end wall 1244 is also formed with a positioning rib 1250and locking claw 1252 for resiliently engaging the notch 1232 of thestorage section 1212 for holding the lid in the closed state at bothends and at the center of the inner surface thereof.

In addition, a holding ribs 1254, 1256 extending from the top plate 1240along the sidewalls 1242, 1242 are formed on the inner surface of bothof the sidewalls 1242, 1242 to the appropriate height to abut againstthe upper peripheral edge of the magnetic tape cassette A to be storedin the lid section 1216 for ensuring the space for storing theinformation sheet B.

The holding ribs 1254, 1256 have bevels on the tip portions thereof, sothat the bevels 1254 a, 1256 a guide the magnetic tape cassette A towardthe center of the storage section 1212. From between the holding ribs1254, 1256, the holding rib 1254 is provided with a sheet holding rib1258 for holding the information sheet B integrally projecting from thebevel 1254 a inwardly (in the vertical direction with respect to theinner surface of the sidewall 1242) of the lid section 1216 so that therib 1258 defines the space 1260 (undercut portion) for holding theinformation sheet B with the lid plate 1240 as shown in FIG. 39 in anenlarged state.

As shown in FIG. 39, the holding rib 1254 is formed along a pedestal1262 formed on the top plate 1240 and a back holder 1264 formed on thesidewall 1242. The pedestal 1262 has a uniform height of h and the backholder 1264 is inclined by the angle β with respect to the inner surfaceof the sidewall 1242. The height and inclination are formed in such amanner that it does not come into contact with the top plate 1240 andthe sidewall 1242 when the rib-molding core of the metal mold describedlater makes a rocking movement, in other words, to the heighth of 50-300μm and the inclination β of 0.1-3 degrees. The sidewall 1242 is alsoformed with a draft angle α.

In the magnetic tape cassette storage case 1210 in this arrangement, themagnetic tape cassette A is positioned on the bottom plate 1222 of thestorage section 1212 with the recessed portion fitted on the mountingprojections 1218, 1220 of the storage section 1212, and the informationsheet B is positioned between the holding ribs 1254, 1256 of the lidsection 1216 and one end thereof is restrained by the sheet holding rib1258. Then it is closed by folding the thin portions 1236, 1238 of theconnecting section 1214 to face the lid section 1216 to the storagesection 1212, engaging the positioning ribs 1246, 1250 on the lidsection 1216 with the positioning notches 1228, 1232 on the storagesection 1212, engaging the locking claw 1248 of the lid section 1216with the locking recess 1234, and engaging the locking claw 1252 of thelid section 1216 with the locking recess 1243 of the storage section1212.

In such a closed state, as shown in FIG. 40, one end of the informationsheet B is positioned by the inner surface of the holding rib 1256, theother end of the information sheet B is positioned by the inner surfaceof the holding rib 1254, and the information sheet B is restrained inthe space 1260 by the sheet holding rib 1258.

The dimensions of the information sheet B in length and width correspondto the inner dimensions of the lid section 1216, and thus it is folded aplurality of times or bound into a leaflet as shown in FIG. 38.Therefore, by inserting the end of the sheet into the space 1260 betweenthe lower portion of the sheet holding rib 1258 and the inner surface ofthe lid plate 1240 as shown in FIG. 40, it is stored in the fixed statein terms of position by the lib 1258, thereby preventing jumping out,dropping off, or protruding thereof.

The magnetic tape cassette storage case 1210 is molded by injectionmolding by the use of the metal mold 1270. The metal mold 1270 formolding the storage case 1210 performs molding with a fixed die 1272 forforming the outside of the storage case 1210 and a movable die 1274 forforming the inside of the storage case 1210, as conceptually shown inFIG. 42. The holding rib 1254 and the sheet holding rib 1258 each havingan undercut portion 1260 are formed by the use of a member interlockedwith the movable die 1274, such as a rib-molding core 1280 constructedof a projecting pin supported at one end on the ejector plate 1276 bythe pivot shaft 1278 for pivotal movement. The rib-molding core 1280 isdisposed to pivot with respect to the movable die 1274, and oriented sothat the direction of removal thereof lies in parallel with the surfaceof the sidewall 1242. In addition, it is arranged to be urged by aspring, which is not shown, in the direction of removal of therib-molding core 1280, or to be pivoted by other actuators such as amotor, a fluid pressure cylinder, not shown, or the like, or preferablyby its own weight, in the direction of removal in accordance with themovement of the movable die 1272. The rib-molding core 1280 defines aseat 1262 with its tip surface 1280 a, and molds a holding rib by therecessed portion 1282 formed on the side surface 1280 b facing upstreamof the pivoting direction. As shown in FIG. 42(b), the side surface 1280c facing downstream of the pivotal movement thereof is formed into ainclined surface, and as shown in FIG. 42(a), the side surface 1280 d ata right angle with respect to the side surface 1280 c defines the backholder 1264.

The magnetic tape cassette storage case 1210 is formed by injectionmolding in the state shown in FIG. 43(a), in other words, in the statewhere the movable die 1272 is at the closest position to the fixed die1274. After the material such as synthetic resin is cured, as shown inFIG. 43(b), the movable die 1272 is moved to open. At this moment, thestorage case is still adhered to the movable die 1272.

Then, the rib-molding core 1280 is pushed toward the releasing direction(left in FIG. 43) by the ejector plate 1276. Consequently, therib-molding core 1280 that has been stored in the movable die 1272 andrestricted from pivotal movement is now becomes pivotable in the hole1273.

Then, the rib-molding core 1280 is pivoted by a spring, which is notshown, or other actuators, or preferably by its own weight in thereleasing direction (in the direction shown by the arrows in FIG. 41 andFIG. 43(c)), so that the molded surface is separated from the holdingrib 1254. At this moment, the tip 1280 a of the rib-molding core 1280slides on the seat 1262 as shown in FIG. 43(c), and when it is detachedfrom the seat 1262, it is completely separated from the top plate 1240.Since there is formed a back holder 1264, when the rib-molding core 1280is pivoted and detached from the back holder 1264, it is completelyseparated also from the sidewall 1242.

Without the seat 1262 and the back holder 1264, when the rib-moldingcore 1280 pivots, the tip portion 1280 a, especially on the sidedownstream of the pivotal movement, may be rubbed against the top plate1240 and the sidewall 1242 at the corner 1280 e (See FIG. 4) on the sideof the sidewall 1242 due to the contraction of the top plate 1240 andthe sidewall 1242. However, providing the seat 1262 and the back holder1264 may prevent the top plate 1240 and the sidewall 1242 from beingscratched by the corner 1280 e of the rib-molding core 1280 when therib-molding core 1280 pivots.

In the embodiment described above, the rib-molding core 1280 is mountedon the ejector plate 1276 to be also used as a pushing pin. However, itis also possible to provide it as a different member from the pushingpin, which cooperates with the movable die 1272.

Though formation of the undercut portion 1260 of the holding rib 1254 isdisclosed in the embodiment described above, it can be applied not onlyto the holding rib 1254, but also to other undercut portions, as amatter of course.

Referring now to the attached drawings, the twenty-first embodiment ofthe present invention will be described.

FIG. 44 is a storage case for magnetic tape cassette according to thetwenty-first embodiment of the present invention. The storage case 1310comprises a storage section 1311 in which the magnetic tape cassette isstored, and a lid section 1321 connected to the storage section 1311 viathe third plate portion 1320 and the thin portion 1319 constituting theconnecting section. The storage section 1311 comprises a bottom plate1312 of rectangular shape having a plurality of mounting projections1317, 1318 on the inner surface thereof, and sidewalls 1313, 1313 andthe end wall 1314 provided along the periphery of the bottom plate 1312so as to extend upward for fitting the magnetic tape cassettes, notshown, therein. At the upper end and the outer surface of the sidewall1313, there are provided a positioning notch 1315 and a locking recess1316 respectively. Also at the center of the outside of the end wall1314, there is provided a locking recess 1316.

The lid section 1321 comprises a top plate 1322, or the second plateportion connected to the plate portion 1320 for enabling the hingedmovement, and a sidewalls 1323, 1323 and an end wall 1324, or the secondsidewall section, extending upwardly on the inner surface of the topplate and, for fitting along the outside of the sidewall 1313 and theend wall 1314 of the storage section 1311.

Incidentally, in the broadcasting station or the like, it is importantthat information on the recorded contents in the magnetic tape cassetteor the details of the meeting at the site of shooting can easily berecognized later, and thus in many cases, a strip of paper (hereinafterreferred to as “information sheet”)P on which such information is listedis inserted into the clearance in the storage case.

In the storage case 10 shown in FIG. 44, the height of the sidewall 1323and the end wall 1324 of the lid section 1321 and the width of the thirdplate portion 1320 corresponds with the sum of the thickness of themagnetic tape cassette and the thickness of the information sheet P inthe stored state so that the information sheet P can easily be stored.Here, the height of the sidewall 1323 and the end wall 1324 and thewidth of the third plate portion 1320 is 20 mm (in the range of 15-30mm).

The inner surface of the sidewall 1323 is formed with a positioning rib1325 and a locking claw 1326 to be engaged with the positioning notch1315 and the locking recess 1316 of the storage section 1311respectively. The inner surface of the end wall 1324 is also formed witha locking claw 1326 at the center thereof. At both ends of the end wall1324, supporting ribs 1328 for supporting the magnetic tape cassettewhen the magnetic tape cassette is stored in the storage section 1311and the lid section 1321 is closed are provided. The positioning rib1325 and the supporting rib 1328 are in contact with the top plate 1322at one end and extend along the sidewall 1323 and the end wall 1324respectively to the height of 15 mm in this case (in the range of 10-20mm).

The sidewall 1323 is provided with a sheet holding rib 1327 for holdingthe information sheet P on the inner surface. The sheet holding rib 1327is in contact with the top plate 1322 at the proximal end and extendsalong the sidewall 1323, and is provided with a holding claw 1327 b forholding the end of the information sheet Pat the distal end thereof. Theupper surface of the holding claw 1327 b is formed into a bevel 1327 afor holding the magnetic tape cassette when the magnetic tape cassetteis stored in the storage section 1311 and the lid section 1321 isclosed. The sheet holding rib 1327 corresponds to the undercut portionwhen it is molded.

In the vicinity of the proximal portions of the positioning rib 1325 andthe supporting rib 1328 on the top plate 1322 of the lid section 1321,and in the vicinity of the position where the top plate 1322 and thevertical line running from the position where the locking claw 1326 isprovided toward the top plate 1322 are intersected, there are formedpushed marks 1330 made by the ejector pins. Also in the vicinity of theproximal portion of the sheet holding rib 1327, there is formed a pushedmark 1331 having the dimension along the sidewall 1323 or the end wall1324 longer than the pushed mark 1330.

FIG. 45 shows a metal mold for magnetic tape cassette storage case. Themetal mold 1340 comprises a main body of the metal mold, or the movabledie 1341 for molding the inner side of the storage case, and a fixed die(not shown) for molding the outside of the storage case. The metal mold1340 has a cavity for the locking claw 1326 on its side surface formolding the locking claw 1326, which is an undercut portion, and aninclining pin 1343 that inclines inwardly of the storage case whilepushing the molded article out of the movable die 1341 by the distal endsurface. The proximal portion of the inclining pin 1343 is rotatablysupported by the axis of rotation 1345, which is provided on the ejectorplate, not shown, and extending in parallel with the sidewall 1323. FIG.45 shows the metal mold 1340 in the state before pushing operation, andat this time, a clearance S is formed between the distal end surface ofthe inclining pin 1343 and the molding surface of the movable die 1341.The clearance S is 0.05-0.3 mm here.

The metal mold 1340 comprises a cavity for the sheet holding rib 1327 onits side surface for molding the sheet holding rib 1327, which is anundercut portion, and an inclining pin 1344 that inclines in thedirection along the sidewall 1323 while pushing the molded article outof the movable die 1341 by the distal end surface. The proximal end ofthe inclining pin 1344 is rotatably supported by the axis of rotation1346, which is provided on the ejector plate, not shown, and extendingvertically with respect to the axis of rotation 1345. Before pushingoperation, as in the case of the inclining pin 1343, a clearance isformed between the distal end surface of the inclining pin 1344 and themolding surface of the movable die 1341.

Though it is not shown, the metal mold 1340 also comprises ejector pinsfor molding a positioning rib 1325, a supporting rib 1328, and a lockingclaw 1326 on the end wall 1324 shown in FIG. 44. There are also formedclearances between the distal end surfaces of these ejector pins and themolding surface of the movable die 1341 before pushing operation.

When synthetic resin is filled in the cavity of such a metal mold 1340,a clearance between the distal end surfaces of the inclining pins 1343,1344 and the movable die 1341, and clearances between the distal endsurfaces of the respective ejector pins for molding the positioning rib1325, the supporting rib 1328, and the locking claw 1326 on the end wall1324 and the molding surface of the movable die 1341 respectively serveas a gas vent.

Then, when the ejector plate, not shown, is driven and the storage case1310, or the molded article, is pushed by the inclining pins 1343, 1344from the movable die 1341 from the state shown in FIG. 45, the incliningpin 1343 inclines inwardly of the storage case, or in the verticaldirection with respect to the sidewall 1323, and the inclining pin 1344inclines in the direction along the sidewall 1323. Then the locking claw1326 and the sheet holding rib 1327 that are undercut portionsrespectively are released from the cavities on the side surface of theinclining pins 1343, 1344.

In the metal mold 1340 for the storage case for magnetic case cassetteconstructed as described above, the positioning rib 1325, the supportingrib 1328, and the sheet holding rib 1327, which are in contact with thetop plate 1322 at one end and extending along the sidewall 1323 and theend wall 1324 respectively, are formed by the use of the ejector pin andthe inclining pin 1344, and the clearance between each pin and themovable die 1341 are used as a gas vent to ensure mold breathing.Therefore, the sidewall 1323 and the end wall 1324 are prevented fromhaving bubbles trapped therein, thereby realizing molding of magnetictape cassette storage case with preferable appearance.

Since the undercut portion for, for example, the locking claw 1326 areall molded by the inclining pin 1343 or the ejector pin and theclearance between each pin and the movable die 1341 is used as a gasvent, further preferable breathing can be performed.

In addition to the above-described twenty-first embodiment, it is alsopossible to use the metal mold of the present invention to form amagnetic tape cassette storage case in which the storage section isformed on its inner surface with a rib being in contact with the bottomplate and extending along the peripheral wall of at least 6 mm inheight.

Alternatively, it is also possible to construct the metal mold in such amanner that the molded article stays in the fixed die and is pushed outby the ejector pin passing through the fixed die.

Though the present invention has been described according to someembodiments, the present invention also includes the combination of aplurality of such embodiments or modifications, as a matter of fact.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic tape cassette storage case comprising:a storage section for storing a magnetic tape cassette; a lid sectionfor covering said storage sections; a connecting section for connectingsaid storage section and said lid section, said connecting sectionoperable to allow opening and closing of said magnetic tape cassettestorage case; said storage section and said lid section each including aplate portion and a sidewall portion provided along an outer peripheryof said plate portion; said sidewall position of said lid section beingfitted along an outside of said sidewall portion of said storage sectionso that a locking portion formed inside of said sidewall portion of saidlid section engages a locked portion formed on an outside of saidsidewall portion of said storage section when said storage section andsaid lid section at closed; wherein a beveled cut-off portion having atleast a same height as said sidewall portion of said storage section isformed on an inner side of said sidewall portion of said lid section atan end of said sidewall portion of said lid section near said connectingsection.
 2. The magnetic tape cassette storage case of claim 1, whereinsaid beveled cut-off portion comprises a flat surface.
 3. A magnetictape cassette storage case comprising: a storage section for storing amagnetic tape cassette; a lid section for covering said storage section;a connecting section for connecting said storage section and said lidsection, said connecting section operable to allow opening and closingof said magnetic tape cassette storage case; said storage section andsaid lid section each including a plate portion and a sidewall portionprovided along an outer periphery of said plate portion; said sidewallportion of said lid section being fitted along an outside of saidsidewall portion of said storage section so that a locking portionformed inside of said sidewall portion of said lid section engages alocked portion formed on an outside of said sidewall portion of saidstorage section when said storage section and said lid section areclosed; wherein a cut-off portion having at least a same height as saidsidewall portion of said storage section is formed on an inner side ofsaid sidewall portion of said lid section along an end of said sidewallportion of said lid section near said connecting section; and whereinsaid cut-off portion comprises a curved surface.
 4. The magnetic tapecassette storage case of claim 1, wherein a reinforcing rib if formed onan outer surface of said sidewall portion of said lid section at an endof said sidewall portion of said lid section near said connectingsection.
 5. The magnetic tape cassette storage case of claim 4, whereinsaid reinforcing rib extends in a direction perpendicular to saidsidewall portion of said lid section and extends along a same height assaid side wall portion of said lid section.